Trainer Michael Kent Jnr acknowledges that Warmonger could be facing an exceptionally strong field in this year’s Tancred Stakes, but he remains confident that the gelding is returning to his best form.
The four-year-old will line up in the 2400m Group 1 feature at Rosehill on Saturday, looking to claim his first victory since his Queensland Derby success last year.
It won’t be an easy task, with top contenders such as Dubai Honour, in-form import Vauban, Caulfield Cup winner Duke De Sessa, and defending champion Arapaho all likely to be in the mix. Despite the competition, Kent has been encouraged by Warmonger’s two runs this preparation.
His most recent effort saw him charge home for second behind Alalcance in the Randwick City Cup (2000m), a result that gained further merit when Alalcance went on to dominate Saturday’s Group 3 Manion Cup (2400m).
“Second-up at 2000 he was much, much better, it was a very good run and the form has stood up with Alalcance bolting over 2400,” said Kent, who trains in partnership with Mick Price.
“This is shaping up to be one of the strongest Tancred fields I’ve seen in a long time. There’s Vauban, Dubai Honour, and Duke De Sessa, just to name a few.
“It’s a really, really tough race, but he’s in fantastic shape.”
Warmonger is one of 22 horses nominated for the Tancred Stakes, which will be one of two Group 1 races on Saturday’s program at Rosehill, alongside the $1 million Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m), featuring standout Victorian filly Treasurethe Moment.
Warmonger claimed his Queensland Derby victory on a rain-affected track, but Kent believes the gelding can perform on any surface. While early forecasts predict clear conditions leading into race day, rain remains a possibility on Saturday.
“I think he handles the wet well, but last start he showed on firm ground that he can sprint at the end of 2000m,” Kent noted.
“That was the fastest he’s ever closed out his final 600 – he ran home in under 34 seconds – which is an excellent sign for him.
“That gives us a lot of confidence going into the 2400m. He’s a natural stayer, and I think he’ll be highly competitive.”
