The establishment of the $700,000 BM68 Four Pillars over 1500m gives Midway race participants an exciting target for the end of October. As an eligible stable, we present our nominees to the race for consideration by the lucky ticketholders.
We have three runners coming in hot in the form of BLUFF ‘N’ BLUSTER, Group 3 placed PIPPALI and last start metro winner CHATEAUX PARK. DREAM MAIDEN and ENDURING NIGHT have both shown form and should appreciate the conditions. Meanwhile, our tried and true brigade in NICOCHET, WEEKEND AFFAIR and SALSONIC have proven themselves at metro level over the trip and would acquit themselves well.
If you are a ticketholder and interested in any of our nominated horses, please get in touch to discuss your options with Jason.
Please note - all benchmarks current as of 24 September 2021.
BLUFF ‘N’ BLUSTER
BM 62 - 5YO gelding
Coming In Hot
Bluff ‘N’ Bluster has two wins and three placings over 1400 metres to date. This includes a win at Royal Randwick over 1400m at BM72 level, and an additional two placings on the Kensington track again in BM72s.
“Bluff ‘n’ Bluster is well suited by what should be a high pressure race. His last two runs have provided two midweek metro placings and he gives every reason to think 1500m will be right up his alley.”
PIPPALI
BM 67- 4YO mare
Coming In Hot
This lightly raced 4yo mare has had just seven starts to date. PIPPALI is a winner over 1300m, has one start for a second (0.1 lengths) at 1400m and was third in the Group 3 Kembla Classic over 1600m at her last start last prep - beaten less than a length.
“Stakes placed mare with better races on the horizon, but at a BM that has her the class horse in a race like this.”
CHATEAUX PARK
BM 62 - 5YO gelding
Coming in Hot
A last start metro winner over 1800m and a winner over 1350m, CHATEAUX PARK finished no worse than fourth in trips from 1400-1600 metres last season.
“The form around this gelding is as strong as anything that will contest this race. Winning over 1800m at Randwick Kensington on the 15/09, freshening the gelding into this type of race would be ideal.”
DREAM MAIDEN
BM 62 - 6YO mare
A winner on good and soft surfaces, DREAM MAIDEN has had 8 starts over 1400-1600 metre trips for a win and four placings.
“This ever consistent mare boasts a record that suggests she will not be far away in anything she runs in - (22: 3-6-3) - handles all surfaces and will be well weighted in this.”
ENDURING NIGHT
BM 59 - 5YO mare
With both of her wins over 1600 metres, ENDURING NIGHT has not been far away in strong races over this distance. She was second at Canterbury over the 1550 metres earlier this year to STRANGE CHARM in a BM72.
“Running second to SOLAR APEX at Gosford in a BM72 on the 22/09 suggests this mare is well placed in a BM68. A freshen up back to 1500m would have her ready to find herself in the finish in the 1500m Four Pillars.”
NICOCHET
BM 55 - 8YO gelding
Tried and True
A winner of $338k in prizemoney, NICOCHET appreciates the trip with three wins over 1400 metres including a metro win at Warwick Farm. His last start had him a 0.1 length second over 1500 metres.
“Nosed out last start in a BM64, his best form under these conditions has this evergreen 8yo every chance in a BM68. He always presents a chance on the back of a genuine tempo - the last time he was at Rosehill he finished 2.2 lengths off ACADEMY in a BM78.”
SALSONIC
BM 54 - 8YO gelding
Tried and True
His win in the Queensland Guineas over 1600 metres in his early career came in a high pressure race. This prep SALSONIC has proven he can still put himself in contention, with a third on the Kensington track in a BM72 over 1550 metres.
“A G2 winner as a 3yo, despite dropping well down in the ratings his best performance has him well in contention for a 1500m BM68 Handicap.”
WEEKEND AFFAIR
BM 54 - 8YO gelding
Tried and True
With just two runs in this prep, this boy will be peaking come the Four Pillars. WEEKEND AFFAIR’S wins have come from 1300-1600 metres including a win over 1550 at Canterbury.
“The timing is right with his second run this prep a close runner up. The distance suits and he will be well in at the weights, if run in his favour he’s never far away. ”