The stable of John O’Shea and Tom Charlton is anticipating the return of the promising colt Napoleonic to Melbourne.
Napoleonic, a three-time winner from twelve starts, has had only one previous outing in Melbourne, which resulted in a commanding 4-¼ length victory at Moonee Valley on Cox Plate Day last year.
That particular win had those involved with Napoleonic feeling optimistic about his future, and it also stands as the son of Wootton Bassett’s most recent success.
The entire is set to return to Melbourne this Sunday to take on the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield, as the Moonee Valley track is unfortunately undergoing a rebuild.
“We’re looking forward to getting him back down to Melbourne,” Charlton commented.
“He was demonstrably effective around the Valley as a three-year-old, and we feel he has the type of profile that can handle Caulfield well.
“We’ve been pleased with his condition. His first-up run in the Missile Stakes was, in our opinion, a very good performance.
“That race is expected to be a strong form race, and he’s had a bit of time since that run, but he appreciates that, and he had a nice, strong trial last week.”
After campaigning in Brisbane during the winter, where Napoleonic finished third behind Rothfire and Spicy Martini in the Group 1 Doomben 10,000, the four-year-old colt has not raced since finishing second to Ninja at Randwick on August 8.
He did win a trial at Randwick on September 11, and the Manikato Stakes has been a long-term plan for the entire.
“He’s a horse that we’re trying to win a Group 1 with, and this was a good option for him,” Charlton stated.
“This has certainly been the plan since the Missile, anyway.”
Charlton indicated that beyond Sunday’s Group 1 contest, there are no specific plans mapped out.
“We’ll get through Sunday, but there will be plenty of options in Sydney or back in Melbourne at the end of the Carnival,” Charlton added.
“We felt that his best form has probably come over 1200 metres, so we’re probably thinking he’s more of a sprinter.”
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