A consistent performer over major events through the two-year-old autumn season, trainer Mick Price has revealed he will not accept a position in September 13th’s Group 1 Golden Rose Stakes (1400m) with Cornrow, instead eyeing a berth in the Group 2 Danehill Dancer Stakes (1200m) at Flemington.
Cornrow (inside) will not contest the 2014 Golden Rose Stakes. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia
Clearly shaking the cobwebs when finishing ninth amongst classy competition in the Group 3 Vain Stakes (1100m) first-up on August 16th, Cornrow was far-more convincing when leading before eventually finishing sixth in the Group 3 McNeil Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday, but appears to be one race off warranting a fourth Group 1 start.
Yet to be confirmed for a specific target through the 2014 Spring Racing Carnival, Price said he does not believe the Duporth colt is ready to line up against the talented field that is likely to accept for the Golden Rose, making the Danehill Dancer Stakes on the same day an ideal option.
“I can’t see how I can go to the Golden Rose on yesterday’s run. I’m still chasing a bit of fitness with him,” Price told TVN.
“I’m happy with the run, it was an improvement. I’m likely to go to the Danehill with him.”
Finishing third in the Inglis Banner Open (1000m) on debut in October, Cornrow returned to racing in 2014 in competitive form; finishing second in the Listed Blue Diamond Preview (1000m) first-up and a credible fifth in the Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) before running on to finish a fighting third in the featured Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) on February 22nd.
Continuing his consistent run when third in the Group 2 Todman Stakes (1200m) on March 22nd, the colt out of Baby Corn was particularly disappointing when beating just a single runner home in the Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) on April 5th, but recovered to finish third in the Group 1 ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) just one week later.
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Expected to perform upon stepping up in distance, Cornrow is currently available at generous odds of $41 to win the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on October 11th at Ladbrokes.com.au.
