Stamina Stockman's specialty as stayer looks to spring
Trainer Joe Pride is not one to make grand statements about unproven horses, but he is pretty self-assured when it comes to young stayer Stockman.
The promising gelding could find himself in the paddock if all goes well in Monday’s TAB Handicap (2130m) at Warwick Farm.
Joe Pride is not afraid to spruik Stockman's potential.Credit:AAP
Pride is still pondering what next season might look like, and says a fourth win this preparation will make planning interesting.
"It’s been the way for 10 or 15 years that three-year-olds who turn four aren't competitive in the spring, but this year might be a different one," Pride said.
"He's a pretty promising horse, I don't want to get too carried away but he has some talent there and looks a tough customer to go with it."
The three-year-old served notice of his staying potential with a gritty win at Randwick over 2000 metres on May 23, when he was forced to make a long run from near last on heavy ground.
At Warwick Farm he will face older horses on another rain-affected - though likely less testing - track. The distance increases too, but Pride felt he had already done the hard yards a couple of weeks ago.
"I don't think he's ever the sort of horse I'd want to bring back in trip so I wanted to go up a bit more," he said. "We'll know more on Monday but [the run] didn't seem to faze him at all and it was the same after his run at Wyong.
"A quality of the better horses, particularly stayers, is to be able to deal with a bit of pressure and a tough run and come through it."
Jockey Sam Clipperton is looking forward to combining with Stockman again and took confidence from the fact Pride is pressing on with his preparation.
"It was a big win and he had to make a sustained run, but he's a tough horse and those horses have stamina," Clipperton said. "If anything, it gives me more confidence in his ability. He's on an upward spiral and I'm sure he will make his presence felt."
BEST BETS
Race 3: (6) Miravalle
Race 5: (8) Stockman
BEST VALUE
Race 8: (19) Lubuk
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