A talented field of nine has been confirmed in the final field for Saturday’s featured Group 2 Missile Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick; highlighted by the inclusion of some of the Spring Carnival’s most exciting racing prospects.
Weary has been confirmed in the 2015 Missile Stakes final field. Photo: Steve Hart
Weary produced several competitive results for Chris Waller through the recent Autumn Carnival but will need luck in running if to secure a first-up success in the Missile Stakes after being allocated the wide barrier 9.
Posting four wins and a further eight minors through 22 career starts so far, the French import returned to racing this year for an impressive win in the Group 2 Expressway Stakes (1200m) on January 31st; progressing to a credible third in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) but failing to make much of an impact in his next three starts.
Returning to the paddock after placing a close second in the Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m) on May 9th, Weary trialled well at Warwick Farm last week and will be partnered by Glyn Schofield in the 2015 Missile Stakes.
Temple Of Boom was a late nominee for the 2015 Missile Stakes and trainer Tony Gollan will be thrilled with his decision after the popular gelding was allocated the ideal barrier 2.
A Group 1 winner having taken out the 2012 edition of The Galaxy (1100m), Temple Of Boom returned to peak condition through the 2014 winter; winning the Group 2 Victory Stakes (1200m) before placing second in each of the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1350m) and Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m).
Gollan has reportedly been thrilled with the condition and residual fitness held by the Piccolo gelding in the lead up to his racing return and is confident he is ready for a competitive showing on Saturday.
Joe Pride has experienced huge success with sprinters through recent seasons and is offered a great chance of success in the 2015 Missile Stakes via See The World, who will leave from the rails draw.
Claiming nine wins and thirteen minors through 43 career starts to date, See The World returned this time for fourth in the Sydney Markets Foundation Handicap (1100m) on May 23rd; progressing to a credible seventh in the talent-rich Listed June Stakes (1100m) before placing third in the Winter Dash.
Having since placed third in the Listed Civic Stakes (1350m) before a luckless run in the Listed Winter Stakes (1400m) last start, See The World appears to be primed for another successful run in the Missile Stakes but is yet to have a jockey confirmed for the ride.
A Sydney race would not be complete without a Gai Waterhouse-trained runner, and Liberty’s Choice may very well receive the run of the Missile Stakes from the central barrier 5.
A proven spring performer having finished second in the Group 2 Shannon Stakes (1500m) and a credible seventh in the major Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m), Liberty’s Choice was kept in the paddock through the duration of the Autumn Carnival but returned this time for fourth in the Winter Stakes on July 18th.
Ladbrokes.com.au is currently offering the best odds on all races at Randwick this weekend, including the 2015 Missile Stakes!
2015 Missile Stakes Final Field and Barrier Draw
| No | Last 10 | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight | Hcp Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 60x130082x | WEARY (FR) | Chris Waller | Glyn Schofield | 9 | 58.5kg | 107 |
| 2 | 1x117x299x | MESSENE | Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes | Tommy Berry | 3 | 58.5kg | 106 |
| 3 | 2560x6704x | TEMPLE OF BOOM | Tony Gollan | Ms Winona Costin (a) | 2 | 58.5kg | 106 |
| 4 | 21122169×2 | BURBERO (NZ) | Bjorn Baker | Brodie Loy (a) | 6 | 58.5kg | 103 |
| 5 | 1080x5797x | AOMEN (IRE) | Anthony Cummings | Brenton Avdulla | 7 | 58.5kg | 100 |
| 6 | 56x2x53425 | ZARATONE | Bjorn Baker | Ms Kathy O’Hara | 4 | 58.5kg | 99 |
| 7 | 7567×47336 | SEE THE WORLD | Joseph Pride | – | 1 | 58.5kg | 98 |
| 8 | 4x13x111 | LORD LEOFRIC | David Pfieffer | – | 8 | 58.5kg | 78 |
| 9 | 223x0276x4 | LIBERTY’S CHOICE | Gai Waterhouse | Nash Rawiller | 5 | 58.5kg | 90 |
