After taking on international class opposition in Asfoora and Sangster Stakes winner Climbing Star just a week ago, Sir Sway returns to more familiar ground this Saturday when he lines up in the Listed Hills Railway Stakes (1100m) at Oakbank. The mother and son training team of Sue and Jason Jaensch are hopeful the return to local company will give their stable star a better chance to shine during the traditional Easter Carnival in the Adelaide Hills.
Although the sprint feature still contains some quality opposition, the absence of major Group 1 contenders makes this a much more suitable target for Sir Sway, who is aiming to deliver the Jaensch stable their third black-type win as a duo.
Last weekend, Sir Sway finished eighth in the Group 3 R N Irwin Stakes (1100m) at Morphettville, beaten just three lengths by Asfoora, a mare with ambitions for Royal Ascot and other international targets later this year.
“We thought we might as well back him up here and then he can go three weeks into The Goodwood,” Jason said in reference to the Group 1 1200-metre feature scheduled for May 10.
“The Goodwood is our aim.”
Despite drawing wide in barrier 11, Sir Sway is currently rated the $2.60 favourite for Saturday’s Hills Railway Stakes. His main challengers appear to be the consistent Extremely Lucky at $5 and fellow local performer Taunting at $5.50.
“It is a little bit easier field this time but still tough enough in its own right,” Jason added.
“The barrier isn’t really a problem as he hasn’t really drawn on the track at all this preparation so we’re not too concerned with the draw.
“We hadn’t really looked at this race and initially thought that this race wouldn’t fit in but he ran really well on Saturday and mum was like, ‘would you think about facing him up again’, so I thought about it and he’s pulled up fine so why not have a go and see what happens.”
Jake Toeroek will take the reins on Saturday, and while he’s not a regular rider for the Jaensch yard, the stable has taken confidence from the fact that Toeroek’s manager reached out soon after the nominations were released.