Joe Pride could enjoy a flying start to his weekend should Coal Crusher sustain his excellent record at Newcastle during this standout local fixture.

The veteran gelding faces Friday’s Group 3 Newcastle Stakes (1400m) just six days after an uneventful showing in Randwick’s Liverpool City Cup (1300m).

In six previous appearances at the course, he has notched three triumphs and three further podium finishes, and even with the 1400m testing his optimal distance, the The Hunter winner on two occasions has handled it successfully before.

“The 1400 is the top of our range, but he’s won at it before,” Pride said.

“Now he is older and more sensible, he harnesses his energy a bit better and it’s the right time to give it another go.”

On Saturday, Pride sends out strong hopes in four Group races at Randwick, encompassing the key battles as Attica enters the Randwick Guineas (1600m) and Headley Grange resumes duties in the Canterbury Stakes (1300m).

His most notable presence is in the Challenge Stakes (1000m) via Mazu, In Flight and The Black Cloud, who gear up for the Group 1 Galaxy (1100m) at Rosehill on March 21.

“I wanted to give them all a run before the Galaxy, so we will probably take our place with all three,” Pride said.

“Any rain on the day would be good, and there is some predicted.”

As Giga Kick firms at $2.50 in betting, Pride’s charges were double-figure hopes on Thursday led by Mazu ($10) and The Black Cloud ($12), yet Pride selects In Flight at $21 if rain arrives.

“She’s the widest one in the market, so go figure,” he said.

“All three horses are going well but I feel like she is the one about to emerge and really launch her career this winter. But she needs wet tracks. She is nowhere near as good on the dry.”

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