Adelaide trainer Stuart Gower had given thought to running emerging stayer Darknconfidential in the Ballarat Cup, but ultimately decided a softer assignment over the same distance would serve the horse better at this stage of his preparation.

Instead of tackling the feature, Darknconfidential will line up in the Hertz Handicap (2000m), a benchmark 84 contest on Saturday’s program, despite having also been nominated for the Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m).

“He’s a nice horse that is only just starting to furnish into himself and I still reckon he’s another six months away,” Gower said.

“Hopefully we can be back next year for the Cup, but this year, we’ll run in the easier race.”

Darknconfidential has won five of his 22 starts and last season competed in Adelaide’s top staying three-year-old events. At his most recent run, he ventured interstate for the first time.

The four-year-old finished second behind Regal Lion—an opponent again this weekend—after having little go his way around the tight Cranbourne circuit.

“A fortnight ago, when he went to Cranbourne, that was the first time he had travelled,” Gower explained.

“He actually came through that really well and it has made him wake up a bit.

“The tighter track didn’t really suit him, he’s more of a horse that likes big, roomy tracks, so Ballarat should suit him better and he definitely needs a dry track too.

“He’ll run on Saturday and then have a few weeks off and then we’ll set him back for the autumn.”

With the Adelaide Cup (3200m) approaching in March, Gower said the prestigious staying race could be considered for Darknconfidential, although no specific plan has been locked in.

“He’s pretty relaxed, and sticks on well, but whether he would get the two miles, I don’t know,” Gower said.

“We’ll get through Saturday first and a worst-case scenario there might end up being some nice country Cups for him.”

Punters can explore current Ballarat odds and markets at Australia’s leading betting sites.