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Better draw to help Here To Shock in Guineas

3 minute read

Trainer Brent Stanley has not lost any confidence in his three-year-old Here To Shock who is set to take his place in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday.

HERE TO SHOCK winning the McGrath Real Estate Class 1 Handicap In Geelong, Australia.
HERE TO SHOCK winning the McGrath Real Estate Class 1 Handicap In Geelong, Australia. Picture: Racing Photos

Stanley has put behind the disappointment of Here To Shock 's last start fading 10th in the Group 3 C S Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington February 13. 

And Stanley has called on a gear change, replacing the winkers with a shadow roll in a bid to turn around the colt's fortunes. 

Here To Shock over-raced in front at his most recent outing and was left a sitting shot for placegetters Tagaloa and Aysar, opponents again on Saturday. 

That performance followed a Geelong victory over 1209m on January 27 when Glen Boss rode the colt to a four-length victory. 

"He wasn't to lead at either of his last two starts," Stanley said. 

"He drew the outside at Geelong so we elected to go forward and he was better than them, then the other day he was chased along from a wide barrier and he overcooked himself. 

"He was running high sectionals and never got a chance to get his breath back, due to a bit of inexperience. 

"So, what we've done is taken the winkers off, put a shadow roll on to keep his head down, and try and ride him in behind them, off the speed." 

Here To Shock has barrier four on Saturday and Stanley said that will allow him to tuck in behind the speed. 

And Stanley's confidence grew after a gallop between races at Bendigo on Tuesday with new jockey Luke Nolen aboard. 

"He's drawn ideally and that's the difference with his last start," Stanley said. 

"Instead of going back and having an easy run and hitting the line, he had a tough run, but he's coped with it really well. 

"Luke Nolen galloped him between races at Bendigo on Tuesday and he worked well. His recovery rate was sensational and he did a bit of work this morning, just to top him off. 

"The 1600 metres won't be a problem and he'll get further over time. He's by Shocking and he's got the right attitude. 

"It's just a pity he had to run those sectionals last time from the draw, but I think you'll see a different horse on Saturday." 

Here To Shock is a $31 chance in latest Guineas betting with TAB. 

Tagaloa heads the market at $3.80 from Zou Dancer at $5 with Ole Kirk next pick at $7.50. 


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