Siragusa’s conduct on day two at The Championships defies explanation, though co-trainer Rob Archibald believes the horse can forget it and realign his season for better results.
At $10 in the Listed South Pacific Classic (1400m) April 11, Siragusa stood still at the start, dislodging jockey Craig Williams and withdrawing from proceedings.
“I don’t know what happened. It was a bit of a head scratcher,” Archibald said.
“Craig said he just jumped a bit awkward then ducked out. But he has trialled since and he was fine.”
Starting his racing life with two straight wins, the son of I Am Invincible took Tamworth in January by three lengths and Muswellbrook in March by much the same.
Those runs convinced Archibald and partner Annabel to test the three-year-old at stakes level, and despite the setback, Rob Archibald expects recovery in Saturday’s The Last Post Handicap (1400m) at Randwick.
“He seems talented, albeit he’s won at Tamworth and Muswellbrook,” he said.
“We’re learning about him all the time and we’re just trying build him up to take him through his grades, but he’s certainly one we like.
“He’s definitely got ability, so I’m looking forward to seeing him develop.
“It was a hiccup the other day, but I’m confident he can bounce back on Saturday.”
The team saddles lightly raced Seastraand in that race for key owner Gerry Harvey, a part-owner of Siragusa, as OTI Racing three-year-old Hillier eyes a slot in the Australian Flying Corps Handicap (1200m).
Last spring’s Group 2 placegetter in Melbourne, Hillier was fifth from afar in Autumn Boy’s Caulfield Guineas (1600m), and the awkward draw has Archibald pondering a delay for his Randwick opener.
“I’m not sure. He has drawn a bit sticky,” he said.
“We’ll have a good look at the race and potentially wait a week. But I’ve been really happy with his trials. He seems to have come back in good order so I’m keen to get him started.”
Head to the betting sites to find racing odds for Siragusa in the Last Post Handicap.