KERRY Parker says it is time to “get serious” with Well Timed now that he is in the Silver Eagle field at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
The Kembla Grange trainer didn’t hesitate to withdraw Well Timed from the Benchmark 88 Handicap (1400m) on the same program when the gelding, initially the sole emergency, secured a start in the $1m Group 3 feature at 1300m when Victorian mare Skybird dropped out.
The first three placegetters in the Silver Eagle automatically gain starts in the $10m Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill Gardens on November 2.
Well Timed hasn’t put a hoof wrong this preparation; his four runs (all at Randwick) producing two wins and as many placings from 1100m to 1400m.
“They’re only four years old once, so why not have a crack at the Silver Eagle and try to earn a spot in the Golden Eagle,” Parker said on Thursday afternoon.
“I’ve always had a good opinion of Well Timed and cuddled him a bit, hence he has had only 11 runs.
“It’s time to get serious now that he is in stakes company.”
Parker gave Well Timed a break away from the stable after he won a Benchmark 78 Handicap (1400m), defeating Group 3 placegetter (runner-up to Rustic Steel in the Newcastle Stakes, 1400m) and last Sunday’s Coonamble Cup winner Sharp Shock, at Randwick on September 21.
“He had eight days in the paddock to freshen up,” Parker said.
“Well Timed has worked up nicely since coming back, and I’ve thrown him in the deep end by going to the Silver Eagle.
“But he’s ready to rock and roll.”
Nash Rawiller has ridden the son of Nicconi at all four starts this time in work, and will continue a successful association with him.
He will ride the gelding 0.5kg over at 56.5kg. The Silver Eagle for four-year-olds is run at set weights plus penalties.
Well Timed is the lowest benchmark rated horse (79) in the race, and the only provincial representative.
He was a $26 chance with TAB.com.au on Thursday afternoon, with Warwick Farm-trained mare Kimochi the $4.80 favorite in an open affair.
Similarly, Hawkesbury’s High Dandy is the sole provincial runner in Saturday’s Big Dance Wild Card (1600m).
Brad Widdup’s four-year-old took up the running at the 1200m in the Dubbo Cup (1600m) at his last start on September 29, then was taken on from the 800m by $31 outsider Vincenzo.
High Dandy still found plenty in the straight only to be overhauled in the closing stages by another outsider Sneak Preview.
Tyler Schiller has been aboard the four-year-old in his three career wins to date, and is back on him on Saturday.
In another open race, High Dandy was at $9 on Thursday afternoon with Chorlton Lane heading the market at $4.20.
The first two placegetters in the Wild Card secure places in the field for the $3m Big Dance (1600m) at Randwick on November 5.
Story John Curtis, October 17, 2024 - Pics Bradley Photos
Comments