A barrier trial mishap sidelined Sky Lab for much of the spring and trainer Paul Perry admits he is playing catch-up as he prepares the Group 1 placegetter for a third-up tilt at the $2 million The Ingham.
Runner-up in the 2021 Rosehill Guineas, Sky Lab was slated for a handful of middle-distance Group race targets during the height of the carnival, but those plans went out the window when he was injured in August.
“I ran him in a barrier trial at Gosford early and something clipped his heels,” Perry said.
“I had a bit of trouble with it and he missed most of the races. He is really good now, but probably a mile-and-a-quarter (2000m) suits him better.
“He’s a 101 rater, so there’s not much else he can run in.”
While Perry feels Sky Lab will find the 1600m of The Ingham a shade short, he is happy with his form and progress.
The five-year-old made late headway when a first-up sixth to Vilana in The Hunter (1300m) and was again doing his best work late when coming from last on the turn to finish just over two lengths from winner Riodini in The Gong (1600m).
Perry is banking on a similar performance at Randwick on Saturday when Josh Parr reunites with the gelding for the first time since the 2021 Rosehill Gold Cup.
While Perry’s expectations are measured, he won’t be shocked to see Sky Lab bob up.
“I wouldn’t be surprised but things would have to fall his way,” Perry said.
“Josh knows him too, he’s ridden him a couple of times before.
“On his right day he is a high-class horse.
“I couldn’t be happier with him. He is healthy and well and his work has been nice.”
Sky Lab is likely to continue his campaign after Saturday with the Summer Cup (2000m) at Randwick on Boxing Day and the Magic Millions Subzero (2200m) at the Gold Coast in January among the options.
He was a $21 chance with TAB fixed odds on Thursday, while second emergency Nugget ($4.40 into $3.30) continued to firm despite still needing two scratchings to force his way into the field.
Resuming Doomben Cup winner Huetor remains a clear-cut second pick at $6 with Dajraan and last year’s winner Brutality sharing the third line of betting at $8.