Trainer Brad Widdup admits that starting Jedibeel in the The Shorts (1100m) was never the original plan, but after a minor setback ruled him out of the Concorde Stakes (1000m), the talented sprinter will now be forced to launch his campaign against some of the nation’s toughest rivals.
The Shorts, one of the premier lead-ups to the $20 million The Everest (1200m), has attracted a star-studded line-up including Briasa, Joliestar, Private Harry and Headwall. Briasa in particular has been trialling in outstanding fashion since her T J Smith Stakes triumph.
“Very hard race,” Widdup admitted. “That is why it was very frustrating not to be able to run him last week. I’m not saying he would have won that race, but he drew well and it looked a good race for him. This race is going to be ten times harder. We are under no illusions there but we have to kick him off somewhere and I’d rather stay at home in Sydney, get him going and then we can work it out from there.”
On Saturday, jockey Kerrin McEvoy partnered Jedibeel in a solo exhibition gallop at Rosehill, which Widdup described as the perfect way to keep him ticking over after his setback.
“We wanted to get him away from home and just do a little bit of work,” Widdup said. “It was a nice little hit-out today. I will probably need to do a little bit more during the week and then hopefully he can acquit himself well next week.”
While Jedibeel presses ahead, Widdup also confirmed that Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) winner Savvy Hallie has gone to the paddock after her third placing in the Furious Stakes (1200m).
“She has gone for a break,” he said. “Everything is fine. She is going to be better as she gets on.”