Lucky Tom to Target Caulfield Guineas in Spring

Despite bursting into contention with an impressive victory in the Listed The Phoenix (1400m) at Eagle Farm last weekend, trainer Harold Norman has confirmed exciting two-year-old Lucky Tom will not contest this weekend’s major Group 1 J.J. Atkins (1600m).

Lucky Tom has been confirmed to return to the spelling paddock, rather than contest the Group 1 J.J. Atkins. Photo: Daniel Costello

Jumping as a rank outsider in last weekend’s The Phoenix, Lucky Tom overcame a quality field to find the line three lengths in the clear of closest rival Goldie’s Imagine; more than stamping his claims as one to watch throughout the remainder of the two-year-old calendar.

With larger races on the horizon for the Lucky Owners gelding, Norman told AAP he won’t risk backing-up after a single week ahead of the 2014 Spring Racing Carnival.

“I said to the owners I’d give him five starts as a two-year-old then put him away for the spring,” Norman said.

“He’ll be entered for all the good three-year-old races including the Caulfield Guineas and you’ll see the best of him later in year.”

Unable to handle the going when tenth in the Group 3 Ken Russell Memorial Open (1200m), Norman said the addition of blinder and pacifiers has been to key to two consecutive victories since.

“He was wanting to run away from other horses but since I put the blinkers and pacifiers on him he’s raced a lot better,” Norman added.

“Down the track he won’t need them and you’ll find he’ll be able to come from behind and win instead of having to lead.”

Claiming two victories and a minor place from just five competitive appearances so-far, Lucky Tom secured a fighting fourth in the Professionals Country Plate Maiden (1010m) on debut in December and returned to racing in good form in 2014; finishing second to Furbish in the Novotel Brisbane Airport C&G Maiden (1000m) prior to his three most-recent starts.

With Lucky Tom yet to appear in early betting markets for the 2014 Caulfield Guineas, J.J. Atkins favourite Brazen Beau is currently featured as outright favourite at a quote of $10, ahead of Chivalry ($11), Meursault ($12) and Bachman ($13).

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