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Due to persistent rain at The Valley, Young Rascal will not hinder his program heading deeper into the spring.
Trainer Archie Alexander says a missed start at The Valley by Young Rascal will not hinder his program heading deeper into the spring.
Young Rascal was set to have his first start for Alexander in the final race at The Valley over 2040m on Saturday, but the meeting was called off following persistent rain after five races.
To compensate for those that missed a start, Racing Victoria has added a 2000m Quality Handicap to Saturday's Caulfield program with Young Rascal set to line up.
Young Rascal is one of 33 nomination for the race which RV says is as an option towards a 2500m race at Flemington on September 12 and for those horses targeting future staying races across the spring.
Young Rascal raced in Sydney during the autumn claiming the Manion Cup (2400m) at Rosehill for William Haggas before starting favourite in the Sydney Cup and finishing seventh behind Etah James.
Syndicator OTI Racing bought into Young Rascal and the French-bred gelding was transferred to Alexander with an eye to the spring carnival.
Alexander said the only thing Young Rascal missed on Saturday was a gallop, but the trainer added there was some benefit to the missed race.
Both Alexander and Young Rascal had arrived on course at The Valley before the meeting was called off.
"I don't think missing the run last week did him any harm," Alexander said.
"I was with him the whole time. He travelled down very well and a day out from the stable routine doesn't do them any harm.
"We've missed one gallop but it's so early in the year, it's not like the Caulfield Cup is next week.
"We know we'll be having a good run around on Saturday and if we can run top four, great, but we're having our first-up run and we've missed one gallop."
Alexander said Young Rascal was able to be worked on Sunday prior to the Grand National Steeplechase meeting at Ballarat and is set to have a gallop under John Allen on Tuesday to prepare for Saturday's race.
Alexander will also have Gallic Chieftain and Haky contest Saturday's Listed Heatherlie Stakes (1700m) while Gamay will make her reappearance from knee surgery in a mares' benchmark 90 race over 1400m.
