Coorg on the road to Brisbane success

The search for a Group victory for Godolphin’s Australian stable turns to this weekend with the talented youngster Coorg to tackle the G3 BJ McLachlan Stakes at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Coorg (John O’Shea/Robbie Fradd) had been an acceptor for races in both Sydney and Brisbane, but the combination of a favourable barrier and black-type opportunity swayed opinion toward Eagle Farm.

“He’s a very promising colt who confirmed his ability first up and has trained on nicely since that run,” said assistant trainer Darren Beadman.

“In the Sydney race he would have met a similar field to the one he raced against three weeks ago and would have had a good chance.

“But he drew barrier one at Eagle Farm and he has the opportunity to get a Group win.”

Coorg is opposed by six last start winners in the McLachlan, among them the unbeaten Chris Munce-trained Ours To Keep who is drawn alongside.

Coorg will be joined on his Brisbane mission by stablemate Kinshachi (pictured) who runs in the Listed Nudgee Quality in which she will be ridden by Jeff Lloyd.

While she has the advantage of age and experience, the four-year-old Kinshachi is confronted by the dual G1-winning three-year-old filly Global Glamour who is on her way to next month’s Magic Millions meeting, Australia’s richest day of racing.

In Sydney, the stable focus will be on Grunderzeit (Jeff Penza) who has good prospects despite a wide draw in the Listed Canterbury Classic.

“John’s had this race in mind for him for a while, so it’s a shame he’s drawn wide, but if he can get a reasonable run he’s ready to perform well,” Beadman said.

Also in Sydney, Duca Valentinois will run in the Tab Rewards Handicap, having also accepted in Brisbane, Unbiased goes in the #theraces Handicap, Art Nouveau runs in the Tab.com.au Handicap and Raiment in the ATC Handicap.

In Melbourne the team will be represented by the unraced two-year-old Siam (Dwayne Dunn) in the 1Print Plate and last-start winner Witches (Craig Williams) in the Get Wines Direct Handicap, both of which are ungraded races.