Ascot trainer Dan Morton will roll the dice and won’t start his star gelding Alaskan God in the R.J.Peters Stakes (1500m), leaving a berth in the Railway Stakes (1600m) in slight jeopardy.
There is some concern Alaskan God’s rating of 92 is too low to get into the Railway Stakes, but direct entry into the Group 1 race was assured if he won the Peters Stakes.
Alaskan God was Perth’s star three-year-old last season when he won five straight races, culminating with a dominant three length victory over Pale Rider in the WA Derby (2400m).
The richly talented son of Playing God launched his Pinnacles carnival assault in the Asian Beau Stakes (1400m) and won plenty of admirers with a slashing sixth behind Treasured Star.
With Tabtouch, Alaskan God is the $5 favourite in all betting for the $1.5 million Furphy Railway Stakes at Ascot on December 19. Trix Of The Trade is next at $7.
Despite the spectre of Alaskan God missing the Railway, Dan Morton said the quick seven day turnaround between the Peters Stakes and Railway Stakes was not ideal.
“Who knows if he will get a run, it’s up in the air,” Morton told The Races WA.
“I won’t go to the Peters; i’ll go straight to the Railway.
“We will either get a run or not.
“It’s the space between runs and second up over the mile, I still need fresh legs in him, really.
“He’s an exciting horse and I don’t want to chase rainbows for the sake of trying to get into the race.
“I won’t be comfortable in a short back up with him.
“I’m not too stressed about it and won’t ruin my horse to get there.”
The Peters Stakes, at Group 3 level, is to be run at Ascot on November 12.
Meanwhile at Ascot on Saturday, Morton will turn his attention to Rejuva King in the Fairetha Stakes (1400m), a Listed race he has a liking for.
Morton’s won it previously with Kallaroo, Saul’s Special and London Line and is curious to see how Rejuva King tackles his toughest test.
The Patronize gelding went back-to-back at Belmont and last start at Ascot he ran seventh to All The King’s Men, beaten three lengths.
Meeting stakes company for the first time, Rejuva King jumps from barrier one for jockey Brad Parnham and is currently $11 with Tabtouch.
Neville Parnham’s unbeaten Bustler is the $2.15 favourite with stable mate Snowdome next at $3.40.
All The King’s Men ($5) and Man Crush ($8) round out runners in single figure odds.
Morton admits Rejuva King faces a stern test, but won’t dismiss his chances completely.
“I would never say never with this horse,” Morton said.
“He’s been a surprise packet every time he steps out for me.
“We have to raise the bar again and it’s a good field with some of the best three-year-olds going around.
“Never say never with him and he’s building in the right direction.”