Trainer Adrian Bott believes French import Elamaz will take significant improvement into his next outing after a solid first-up performance in the Group 3 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill.
The gelding, who made a winning Australian debut in the McKell Cup (2000m) during winter, was expected to be vulnerable first-up — and so it proved when he finished fifth behind Birdman. Despite racing keenly through a fast tempo set by Full Count Felicia, Bott was satisfied with the run and confident Elamaz would be fitter for the experience.
“I thought he was going to be vulnerable whichever way the race panned out,” Bott said. “It was highlighted more by the way it was run. He loomed like he was going to run a nice race and just peaked. Back in trip slightly should benefit him and he’ll strip fitter for the run.”
Elamaz will now target Saturday’s Group 2 Hill Stakes (1900m) at Rosehill, where he is rated a $7.50 chance. The race has drawn a strong field featuring Lindermann, Australian Cup winner Light Infantry Man, Kovalica, Fawkner Park and defending champion Attrition.
Bott confirmed Tim Clark will continue his partnership with Elamaz and said the gelding’s program will stay local for the remainder of spring. “He will stay around for a couple of those races like the Craven Plate,” Bott said.
Clark will also take rides aboard Beadman in the Group 2 Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) and General Salute in the Alan Brown Stakes (1400m), rounding out a strong book of mounts at Rosehill.
For punters looking to bet on the Hill Stakes, the latest odds and offers can be found via Australia’s best betting sites.