Gringotts to target Winx Stakes first-up
After capturing the Listed Big Dance (1,600m) at Randwick on Nov 5, 2024 and the Group 3 The Gong (1,600m) at Kembla Grange on Nov 23, 2024, Gringotts went on to claim the scalps of Fangirl and Ceolwulf in the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1,500m) at Rosehill on March 22.
The son of Per Incanto ended his preparation with a midfield finish in the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1,600m) at Randwick on April 5, less than two lengths behind the Bjorn Baker-trained Stefi Magnetica.
Trainer Ciaron Maher's right-hand man in Sydney, Johann Gerard-Dubord, said the gelding had furnished even more after that last run.
"Gringotts looks outstanding," said Gerard-Dubord.
"Every prep he looks better, but he has come back stronger again and just looks so healthy."
The 10-time winner is set to line up in an open trial at Gosford on July 23, as he prepares to kick off his campaign in the Group 1 Winx Stakes (1,400m) at Randwick on Aug 23.
Gerard-Dubord felt Gringotts would probably attract too much weight in the Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1,600m) at Randwick on Oct 4, but the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1,600m) at Randwick on Oct 18 would be an obvious target in the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival.
"He will likely start in the Winx Stakes, and a race like the King Charles would be a nice race for him," he said.
"There is the Champions Mile in Melbourne after that."
To be held at Flemington on Nov 8, the Group 1 Champions Mile (1,600m) carries a prize purse of A$3 million (S$2.5 million).
His stablemate Jimmysstar - also a five-year-old son of Per Incanto and the winner of the Group 1 All Aged Stakes (1,400m) at Randwick on April 19 - is on track to trial in early August.
His connections are keen to attract a slot in the A$20 million The Everest (1,200m), the richest race in Australia and the richest turf race in the world.
"He's got the right credentials. He's done a good job, he has done well at Randwick, so I think he deserves one," Gerard-Dubord said of Jimmysstar.
"He is still a bit wintery, but he is a lot stronger. He looks like a real sprinter now."
With the progeny of Per Incanto, Gerard-Dubord thought they are typical of the New Zealand breed and continue to get better with age.
"They're horses where, if you don't rush them early, you usually get rewarded later," he said.
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