We take a look at the latest news from Western Australian as The Pinnacles carnival continues and we close in on the Perth Cup.
PADDY’S SHADOW
Trainer Raquel Williams sadly announced the retirement of her tough mare, Paddy’s Shadow after Saturday’s Strickland Stakes (2000m).
The Dane Shadow seven-year-old raced on 56 occasions for seven wins and 16 placings and earned $528,800 in prize money.
She was a dual winner of the Bunbury Cup (2021 & 2022) and ran a fast finishing second to Midnight Blue in the Perth Cup (2022).
BITOFMERIT
Michael Campbell said his unbeaten three-year-old Bitofmerit has pulled up in fine order after extending his winning sequence to three on the weekend.
Campbell was hoping to give the Demerit gelding a three week gap between runs but believes stepping up in distance to 1200m in a fortnight looks a suitable assignment.
He’s confident that in time Bitofmerit can stretch out to a mile.
Campbell will assess next fortnight’s options after he gives Bitofmerit a gallop on Saturday.
DAN MORTON
Dan Morton says Otheroneson is in the paddock and won’t press ahead to feature 3YO winter races.
The talented Demerit gelding had the final race of his campaign in the Belmont Guineas when fourth to Devoted.
Morton said giving Otheroneson a spell allows him time to prepare for The Pinnacles later in the year.
Morton is excited about the return of his top sprinting hope Wilchino. The Beaufine and the Bolton are her target races.
Wilchino won six consecutive races when last in work before running last in the Winterbottom Stakes.
Stable mate Paddy’s Lad will progress to a 1400m event in two weeks after his impressive win on debut over 1200m Saturday.
MICHAEL GRANTHAM
Michael Grantham says Kaptain Kaos will return for the Idyllic Prince Stakes and Farnley Stakes.
He had considered Kaptain Kaos for the Hannans in Kalgoorlie but says he will be weighted out of the race.
Kaptain Kaos won the Hyperion Stakes two starts back before an eighth to Prince Turbo in the Strickland Stakes.
SIMON MILLER
Simon Miller is thinking of a gear change for It’sarayday when he returns for the Pinnacles carnival.
The application of blinkers is on the cards for the Winning Rupert three-year-old who ended his campaign with a second to Secret Plan.
Miller says It’sarayday possesses all the ability, but needs to improve his skill set if he is to compete against the big boys.
Target races before a Winterbottom tilt include the Crawford Stakes, Prince Of Wales Stakes and Colonel Reeves Stakes.
Miller says Monday’s trial performers How’s The Serenity and Platinum Bullet are slated to return for the Beaufine.
BROCK LEWTHWAITE
Brock Lewthwaite won the WA Oaks with Lady Chant and is hoping to win the Belmont Oaks with Cartanera.
The Blackfriars filly was a Pinjarra maiden winner at a mile two starts back.
Dundeel gelding Fire At Will will be Lewthwaite’s Aquanita Stakes representative.
He races in Perth for the first time after a last-start win and two thirds from three career outings in Kalgoorlie.
