A favourable draw has prompted trainer Brad Widdup to advance Phearson’s campaign, locking in a start in the Listed Takeover Target Stakes (1200m) at Gosford this Saturday.
Originally, Widdup had targeted the Luskin Star Stakes (1300m) at Scone on May 17 for the seven-year-old gelding’s next outing, but with an ideal gate secured, he made the call to race a week earlier.
“The initial plan was to wait for Scone but we had a think about it,” Widdup said.
“He ran terrific the other day and I thought it was a nice race to have a look at, provided we drew well and we have, so he will definitely go around.”
Phearson resumed with a promising fourth behind Mazu in the Hall Mark Stakes (1200m) at Randwick last month and will jump from barrier two this weekend at Gosford.
The dual Group winner struggled for consistency during his spring campaign, but Widdup says the gelding is showing the right attitude this time in.
“Last time in he was a bit erratic and he just wasn’t a happy horse for most of the preparation,” he said.
“He is a very tricky horse but this time through he has been excellent. He’s in a great space at the moment.”
Should Phearson run well at Gosford, he remains a chance to back up the following week in the Luskin Star Stakes before heading toward additional winter options in Sydney or possibly Melbourne.
“We may back up into that, but we’ll get through Saturday first,” Widdup added.
“We will probably keep him here in Sydney, maybe look at a race in Melbourne more than Queensland. We will just try to pick off races through the winter and see what happens.
But the way he is at the moment, I’m very happy with him.”
This year’s Takeover Target Stakes has drawn a competitive lineup featuring Sapphire Stakes winner Infancy, along with Godolphin contenders Spacewalk and Pereille.
Punters looking to back Phearson or any runners this weekend can explore the best odds and promotions available through top betting sites.