Brilliant three-year-old Whypeeo is unlikely to run in the Golden Rose but his trainer Toby Edmonds could still have a runner in the Group One event.
Whypeeo ran class record time to win at the Gold Coast last Saturday but Edmonds declared the speedy galloper was unlikely to head to Rosehill for the Golden Rose on September 23.
But Edmonds is keen to see how another of his impressive horses, I Am Impinge, measures up in the Three-Year-Old (1350m) at Doomben on Saturday.
After trialling well, I Am Impinge was a strong first-up winner at Coffs Harbour before running an eye-catching third at Doomben three weeks ago.
Whypeeo was fourth in that race after both the Edmonds’ runners had no luck.
Edmonds said I Am Impinge would need to show above average ability again to be considered as a Golden Rose horse.
“He is a much more likely candidate for the Golden Rose than Whypeeo who is probably too brilliant to run a strong 1400 metres at this stage of his career,” Edmonds said.
“But I Am Impinge gives every indication the 1400m will suit him nicely. We won’t be getting carried away too soon.”
“However, these Brisbane three-year-old races are strong and give an indication of a horse’s ability. Then again Sydney and Melbourne three-year-old form is very strong as well.”
Edmonds said I Am Impinge would need luck from a wide barrier on Saturday.
Senior rider Jeff Lloyd who takes over from Matt McGillivray on I Am Impinge will be having his first race ride on the gelding but has ridden him in two trials at the Gold Coast.