News

Damp lifts Littorio stable spirits

30th Mar 2009

Herald Sun - Tim Habel - Tuesday, 31 March 2009

FLEMINGTON trainer Nigel Blackiston heads to Sydney today with top galloper Littorio and happy with this week's weather forecast, but not so pleased about Doncaster Handicap weights.

Littorio will take on a star-studded Group 1 George Ryder Stakes field at Rosehill on Saturday on what is likely to be his favoured soft ground.

Showers are forecast every day this week and that suits Littorio and Blackiston just fine.

"He jarred up on our tracks in the spring," Blackiston said. "We decided on a light autumn in Sydney because he does appreciate wet tracks."

Blackiston is not so happy about Littorio's weight of 55.5kg in the Doncaster at Randwick on April 18.

"I can't see why he is giving All Silent 1.5kg. I asked Greg Carpenter (Racing Victoria chief handicapper) and he said on his ratings he would be on 54kg."

Littorio is paying a stiff penalty for his sole Group 1 win in the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington last spring.

"I wouldn't have minded if it had been a weight-for-age race, but he was on the minimum (53kg) in a set weights and penalties race," Blackiston said.

"The handicapper always seems to be right. Let's hope he is again."

Littorio will face hot opposition in the George Ryder (1500m), with Whobegotyou, Light Fantastic and Alamosa also among the 17 entries.

"He might need the hit-out on Saturday but I still think he will be competitive," Blackiston said.

Hugh Bowman has been booked for Littorio's two Sydney starts.

Blackiston said apart from a hiccup about two months ago when the gelding swelled up after a spider bite, the campaign had gone well.

"He's had a couple of jump-outs over 800m, which have been too short for him, but his other trackwork has pleased me," he said.