The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained Jacquinot is a firming favourite for the Blue Diamond Stakes following Tuesday’s barrier draw.
Jacquinot drew barrier 10 in the 16-horse field for Saturday’s Group 1 race over 1200m at Caulfield which delighted his co-trainer Kent Jnr.
After winning on debut at Caulfield on Boxing Day, Jacquinot drew an inside barrier and missed the start when fifth to Lofty Strike in the Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) on February 12.
“The barrier was very important to us, and we were hoping for 10 to 12, so we’re very happy with that,” Kent Jnr told racing.com.
“He drew barrier one last time which wasn’t ideal and drawing wide is the key. He can get back, balance up and use his massive stride.”
Jacquinot firmed from $5 to $4.60 with TAB following the draw.
Second favourite Lofty Strike ($6) drew out in barrier 13 which trainer Julius Sandhu said was not ideal.
He was hoping to draw somewhere between five and seven, up to 10 in a worst-case scenario.
“It is what it is,” Sandhu said.
“He is on the outside so that is where he prefers to be and he’s going to get a similar run as the Prelude and will be strong at the end.
“He will eat up the 1200 metres.”
Revolutionary Miss, winner of the filly’s division of the Prelude on February 12, sits on the third line of Blue Diamond betting at $8 while Sebonack, an impressive debut winner of the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes (1000m) at Caulfield on February 5, is on the next line at $9.
Hawkes Racing has yet to declare who will ride stablemates Semillion and Sebonack with Damien Oliver to ride one of the colts.