Trainer Tony McEvoy is still thinking about the 2017 Ladbrokes Caulfield Guineas for Illumicon who could join stablemate and the race’s early favourite Royal Symphony in the mile classic next month.
Royal Symphony, above winning the Taj Rossi Series Final, galloped with stablemate Illumicon in between races at Caulfield last Saturday. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.
Nicconi colt Illumicon has had just the two runs to date and was last seen winning over 1300m at Bendigo on August 13.
As yet untested in stakes grade, there are no surprises on the $26 price offered in futures markets at Ladbrokes.com.au for him to win the Group 1 $2 million Ladbrokes Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on October 14.
Those all-in Ladbrokes Caulfield Guineas odds have the McEvoy-trained Royal Symphony as the clear $5.50 favourite.
An undefeated son of Domesday made it three-from-three with a comprehensive four and a quarter-length Flemington win on July 8 in the Listed Taj Rossi Series Final (1600m).
He is down to resume racing back at Flemington on September 16 in the Listed Exford Plate (1400m) where he will be racing to retain his unbeaten record and Caulfield Guineas favouritism.
Leading up to the Exford Plate, Royal Symphony was put through his paces at Caulfield Racecourse in a gallop on Saturday impressing McEvoy.
Paired with Royal Symphony, who was ridden by Dwayne Dunn, was Illumicon and both horses did a good job according to their trainer.
“Royal Symphony did his typical thing that he does in his races and on the point of the turn he looked off the bit,” McEvoy told Racenet.
“I thought for a moment he might not pick the other horse up, but all of a sudden he clicked into gear, was there with him and went on to win the gallop.
“He’s had a healthy blow afterwards and a fortnight out from his first-up race, I think we are where we need to be.
“I’ll possibly take him to Moonee Valley to do the same again next Saturday.
“He arrived here at Caulfield and was very composed so, I was really pleased and I think he’s grown up a little bit in the head.
“He’s a colt and thinks he’s the best horse in the stable so a trip away from home helps get some of the exuberance under control.
“We want him concentrating that in his races.”
Illumicon may have been picked up by his better tried stablemate over the final 400m in the gallop, but he was doing plenty right ahead of a likely Moonee Valley start on Dato’ Tan Chin Nam Stakes Day.
“He was very impressive in a good maiden the other day and he goes to Moonee Valley next Saturday for a 1500m three-year-old race,” McEvoy said.
“I’m still thinking the Caulfield Guineas with him.
“He’s a nice horse, a good galloper and I’ve got a lot of time for him.”
To check out the full Ladbrokes Caulfield Guineas 2017 betting markets on the nominated youngsters visit race sponsor Ladbrokes.com.au today.
