News

Fell Swoop Ready For Stakes Debut

2nd Sep 2015

Breeding And Racing - Wednesday, 2nd September 2015

Trainer Matthew Dale says that brilliant Canberra sprinter Fell Swoop (Not a Single Doubt-Touched in Flight, by Fasliyev) is primed for his stakes debut in Saturday's Listed Drummond Golf Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley.

Dale said the progressive 4YO had earned a shot in better company after taking his record to 6 wins from 8 starts when winning a benchmark 85 race over 1000m at Randwick last start.

"He's obviously progressing nicely and we feel it's the right time to take him up a notch," Dale told Melbourne's Radio Sports National yesterday.

"It's quite exciting and we've got Damien Oliver booked to ride which will be of great assistance."

He added: "He had a nice gallop yesterday morning the Melbourne way. He handled it beautifully. We galloped him around the bend here at Canberra and he handled it as fluently as any of my horses have."

Dale put Fell Swoop's recent good form down to him being a much more mature horse this preparation. "He's just come back a hell lot more of a mature animal, physically and mentally. He's eating a lot better and holding his condition really well," he said.

"We've laid a good foundation for him and now it's time to stick him in a lot harder grade and see where he fits."

He added: "I think the 1200m around the Valley will suit. There's usually good, genuine speed in those races and down on the minimum I think he's well placed."