DARREN Weir concedes race fitness is an issue with his star-studded band of Lawrence Stakes contenders, but is hopeful class will overcome conditioning question marks.
Weir has six nominations for Saturday’s 1400m Group 2 headed by Black Heart Bart, Tosen Stardom, Gailo Chop, Humidor, Storm Exhibit and Amelie’s Star.
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But with Cox Plate Plate runner-up Hartnell lurking at Caulfield, Weir is more hopeful than confident.
“I’ll probably start all of them at this stage and I’m looking forward to the day,” he said. “Probably the sad part is that I’m not sure any of them are wound up to win. But they’re all really good horses and good horses can often pull out great runs.”
Hartnell will kick-off his spring campaign at Caulfield on Saturday.Source:Getty Images
Hartnell returns to Melbourne for the first time since his excellent Melbourne Cup third to Almandin, this time in James Cummings’ care. The seven-year-old impressed in a gallop at Caulfield on Tuesday.
“We were very happy with his work,” David Charles, the Melbourne representative for Godolphin, told AAP. “It was solid work ahead of Saturday and he’s ready to run well.
“He tracked around on his right leg and got into a beautiful rhythm.”
Randwick Guineas winner Inference is entered in both the Lawrence Stakes and Warwick Stakes in Sydney. Toorak Handicap winner He’s Our Rokkii and Australasian Oaks winner Abbey Marie are also among the Lawrence nominations.
Champion sprinter Lankan Rupee to tackle the Group 3 Spring Stakes at Morphettville instead of the Lawrence Stakes.
Originally published as Hartnell’s a worry for Weir
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