Tough task not beyond Shamus
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Trainer Danny O'Brien admits the task is harder for Shamus Award after drawing barrier 11 in Saturday's Caulfield Guineas, but not beyond his colt.
The son of Snitzel is still a maiden, however he has finished in the placings on six occasions as all his eight starts have been in black-type races.
"I am confident that he will handle the pressure of the race as he has raced in top class races his entire career. Although the draw is awkward, with luck in running he can be making his presence felt," O'Brien said.
Race favourite Long John firmed into $3.80 after drawing the coveted barrier one in Saturday's Group 1 event for three-year-olds.
Second favourite Prince Harada ($4.60) retained his place in the market despite drawing barrier 12, while New Zealander, El Roca, is popular at $7 and drew barrier 2.
Peter Moody’s Dissident drifted from $9 to $10 with Sportsbet after drawing barrier 13, the second from the outside.
O'Brien said his horse had improved since his luckless nose defeat in the Stutt Stakes at Moonee Valley at his most recent start.
"He worked at the start of that race and his effort to keep kicking and to be beaten by the bob of the head was disappointing, but it showed me that the horse is tough and I saw the run as a great lead-in to the Guineas," O'Brien said.
CAULFIELD GUINEAS (1600m)
(Set weights - 56.5kg all runners)
Saturday, 5.45pm
(horse, trainer, jockey, barrier)
1. Dissident Peter Moody Luke Nolen (13) $8
2. Charlie Boy Gerald Ryan Michael Rodd (3) $17
3. Divine Calling Gai Waterhouse Nash Rawiller (10) $13
4. Long John Peter Snowden Kerrin McEvoy (1) $3.80
5. Shamus Award Danny O’Brien Glen Boss (11) $13
6. Éclair Big Bang Phillip Stokes Dom Tourneur (4) $10
7. Prince Harada Tony Vasil Damien Oliver (12) $4.20
8. Weinholt Peter Moody Ben Melham (6) $21
9. Late Charge Wendy Kelly Vlad Duric (9) $21
10. El Roca T Busuttin & N Young Craig Newitt (2) $9
11. Cluster A Cummings Hugh Bowman (8) $17
12. Nite Rocker Lloyd Kennewell Joe Bowditch (14) $101
13. Great Esteem David Hayes Chad Schofield (5) $61
14. Marwood Michael Moroney Brett Prebble (7) $16
Odds: Courtesy TAB
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