Starlight Stakes 2013 – Walter stablemates under the microscope

Jacquinot Bay’s first-up record is flawless but his trainer Guy Walter is keeping a lid on his expectations heading to Rosehill.

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The six-year-old will be up against a strong field of sprinters in Saturday’s Starlight Stakes (1100m) including his stablemate Straight Albert who is returning from an injury-enforced break of more than a year.

The winner of six of his 10 starts and two from two when fresh, Jacquinot Bay’s autumn carnival was cut short when he failed to measure up in the Doncaster Prelude won by his now-retired stablemate Skyerush.

Jacquinot Bay
Jacquinot Bay

“He does have a good fresh record but I’m not sure if he’s got the speed over 1100 metres,” Walter said.

“Straight Albert is coming back from a tendon injury and he may also find them a bit quick.

“I’m very happy with both of them.

“Straight Albert has had two preparations since the injury and is in great shape but time will tell.

“His work has been really good but it’s hard to know until you put them under race pressure.

“And I want to see Jacquinot Bay back in winning form before we make any ambitious plans for him.”

A late bloomer who didn’t race until he was a late four-year-old, Jacquinot Bay was beaten just once in his first seven starts.

Straight Albert, the winner of seven of his 19 starts, strung together four wins in late 2011 and early 2012 including the Goulburn Cup and the Gosford Cup.

He hasn’t raced since the 2012 Newcastle Newmarket but has had two barrier trials, the latest when third to Jacquinot Bay at Goulburn earlier this month.

Peter Robl rides Jacquinot Bay while Blake Shinn partners Straight Albert.

Last-start Rosehill winner Heart Testa heads the TAB’s fixed odds market at $3 ahead of Safeguard at $4.20.

Safeguard is a dual Group Three winner of the Kindergarten Stakes the Vain Stakes and the Peter Snowden-trained colt was last seen when sixth at the Flemington carnival in the Earl Grey Stakes won by Lankan Rupee.

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