Lord Of The Sky was unlucky to be allocated the wide and somewhat awkward barrier 11 for his defence of the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday, however trainer Robbie Laing believes the draw may figure as a blessing in disguise.
Lord Of The Sky should perform fine from barrier 11 in Saturday’s Sir John Monash Stakes. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia
Lord Of The Sky has undoubtedly returned to racing in career-best form this time in and is unlucky to be yet to break through for a maiden win at the highest level, having finished second in each of the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) and Group 1 The Goodwood (1200m) in his two most recent starts.
Laing has been thrilled with the condition of the Danerich entire over the last few weeks, and cited a near seven length victory in the Guinot International BM78 (1000m) at Caulfield from barrier 10 in early 2014 as key in another successful performance on Saturday.
“On another occasion he drew very wide there and Caulfield. He won by six and a half and a tenth outside the course record,” Laing told Racing Ahead.
“With the feature races at Caulfield being run very late in the day it’s probably an advantage to draw wide, especially if the track’s soft.
“Ollie will just grab hold of him and have him where he’s happy. It might not be in front if something wants to lead.”
Unlucky to be scratched from the final field of the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap after tearing off a plate, Laing confirmed the four-year-old has completely overcome the ailment and is ready for success in the Sir John Monash Stakes.
“He looks terrific. He has a spring coat on him and is absolutely glowing,” Laing said.
“He pulled his plate off and ripped his heel out and everyone in racing knows that looks ghastly to start with. It was about the size of a 50 cent piece. After a week or so it looked pretty good and now you can’t notice it.”
Charged with carrying a race-high 58.5kgs, Lord Of The Sky has been confirmed to be partnered by regular hoop Damien Oliver.
Ladbrokes.com.au is currently offering the best 2015 Sir John Monash Stakes odds, for which Lord Of The Sky remains clear $2 favourite for success.
