Messara Duo Likely for Eskimo Prince Stakes Clash

January 15, 2015

Messara Duo Likely for Eskimo Prince Stakes Clash

Producing one of the most memorable conclusions of the 2014 Spring Racing Carnival when finishing an unbelievably-close first and second in the Group 3 Up And Coming Stakes (1300m), trainer Paul Messara has revealed talented three-year-olds Scissor Kick and Panzer Division are likely to meet once more in the Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) on February 7th.

Scissor Kick (outside) and Panzer Division (inside) are set to meet in the Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes. Photo: Steve Hart

Scissor Kick (outside) and Panzer Division (inside) are set to meet in the Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes. Photo: Steve Hart

Each jumping from the gates well, Scissor Kick and Panzer Division were clear standouts over the 1300 metres of the Up And Coming Stakes, in an event memorably plagued by interference from several runners.

Understandably hesitant to see two of his stable’s stars lock horns competitively, Messara conceded the 2015 Eskimo Prince Stakes figures as an ideal Autumn Carnival launch pad for both Scissor Kick and Panzer Division.

“I don’t really want to race them against each other, but the Eskimo Prince looks the right race for them, so it’s looking that way at the moment,” Messara told Racenet.

Finishing outside the places just once in his six starts over the Spring Carnival, Scissor Kick comfortably won a minor over 1250m first-up on July 23rd and continued to impress on his way to back-to-back victories in the Listed Rosebud (1200m) and Up And Coming Stakes; progressing to an agonizingly-close second to Hallowed Crown in the Group 1 Golden Rose Stakes (1400m) most notably on September 13th.

Thrilled with the form and class displayed by the Redoute’s Choice colt since his return to work, Messara confirmed he will be set for another attempt on maiden Group 1 glory.

“The grand final for Scissor Kick will be the Randwick Guineas,” he said.

Contesting a far-bolder line through his maiden preparation in spring, Panzer Division jogged home to defeat subsequent Group 1 champion Shooting To Win in the Group 3 Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m) following the Up And Coming Stakes; running an impressive fifth amongst open company in the Group 1 George Main Stakes (1600m) on September 20th and returning to the paddock following a fifth place finish in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m).

Confident he is far-more effective over short distances, Messara said he is yet to settle on a specific plan for Panzer Division beyond the Eskimo Prince Stakes.

“Panzer Division, I would rather keep him to 1400 metres with his runs a bit more spaced, but it’s too early to say for sure,” he added.

Nominations for the 2015 Eskimo Prince Stakes are due to be closed on Monday, February 2nd, with a final field and barrier draw to be confirmed and released on the 4th.

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