He was in the saddle for an exhibition gallop, but will James McDonald ride Storm Boy in the Golden Slipper?
James Mcdonald has been given a reminder of Storm Boy’s talents in an exhibition gallop at Randwick, but connections are no closer to making an announcement on who will ride the star colt in the Golden Slipper.
The Tulloch Lodge youngster will be one of two unbeaten Coolmore-owned two-year-olds in the world’s richest juvenile race, along with the Chris Waller-trained Switzerland.
McDonald will ride one and champion English hoop Ryan Moore the other but just who is on which horse remains undecided with Storm Boy’s co-trainer Adrian Bott saying a call is unlikely to be made until next week.
“I don’t think any decision or announcement will be made until acceptance time,” Bott said on Wednesday.
While Storm Boy’s rider for the Golden Slipper remains up-in-the-air, his trainers are ensuring he is given the right groundwork.
Scratched from a barrier trial on Tuesday in preference for a workout between races on the Kensington track, the imposing colt was given an easy time early before overpowering stablemate Solider Of Rome, running home the final 600m of his 1000m gallop in 34.01 seconds.
McDonald described the work as “very good” and said the horse was “well on track” for the Golden Slipper (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday week.
Bott was also upbeat and felt the race day experience was exactly what Storm Boy needed given he would line up in the Slipper with three weeks between runs.
“He settled lovey throughout and quickened up nicely when asked,” Bott said.
“There was an immediate response there, he was good through the line and looked to have plenty in reserve.
“Even getting out here to the races, it did its job today.
“He doesn’t have to do too much now. Just with the three weeks between runs, we wanted to give him something that bit extra than what we can do at home.”
In a star-studded afternoon of exhibition gallops, Coolmore Stud Stakes winner Ozzmosis has also had a hitout between races as he edges closer to his return in The Galaxy (1100m) on Golden Slipper Day.
Ridden by regular jockey Rachel King, who has recently returned from a successful stint in Japan, the three-year-old clocked 33.93 seconds for his final 600m sectional to run down barn mate War Eternal in a gallop King says has the horse right on target.
“They did a similar thing with him last prep with a little gallop between races and he has improved no end coming into this preparation, which is what he needs,” King said.
“He has to step up against the big boys now, but he’s ready for it.”
Peter and Paul Snowden also sent King Of Sparta and King’s Gambit for a spin around between races with both horses being considered for a start in The Galaxy.
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