Just Folk’s participation in this year’s Hollindale Stakes will depend largely on how much rain falls on the Gold Coast leading into Saturday’s race.
The seasoned eight-year-old is among 16 nominations for the $500,000 Group 2 event, but trainer Gavin Bedggood indicated he’s unlikely to line up unless the surface becomes significantly rain-affected.
“He’s bounced out of his last run, he did some work on Saturday morning and the team was happy with him, but it’ll be either Saturday or Saturday week,” Bedggood said.
“The horses that are going there on Saturday, he needs heavy ground to be competitive with them, so if it’s not heavy he won’t run.”
If conditions are not to his liking, Just Folk will instead be saved for the $200,000 Listed Bernborough Handicap (1600m) at Doomben on May 17.
The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting light rain through the week, with Friday predicted to bring the most significant showers — up to 8mm — which could be critical for Just Folk’s chances of running.
In last year’s Hollindale, held on a Heavy 10 at the Sunshine Coast, Just Folk ran a brave second behind Numerian, beaten only 1-1/2 lengths.
This preparation, his campaign highlight came with a win in the Group 3 Doncaster Prelude (1500m) on April 1. He followed that with a tough run in the Doncaster Mile and a fifth placing in the Brisbane Handicap (1600m) at his latest start.
He also claimed the Group 3 Hawkesbury Cup (1600m) last year in the lead-up to the Hollindale, and Bedggood is adamant the gelding is going as well now as he was then.
“I think he’s going as good as he ever has,” Bedggood said.
“I thought he was not ridden to suit last start, the jockey came in and admitted fault, so he definitely should have finished right amongst the money.
“I think he’s going every bit as good as he was 12 months ago.”
Just Folk is a $26 chance in current Hollindale markets, with the Chris Waller-trained duo Buckaroo ($3.50) and Lindermann ($4.50) leading the betting. Other notable entries include Antino, Eliyass, Fawkner Park, and Bois D’Argent.
