The consistency, class and durability shown by Demonstrate throughout his career, combined with a good gate and a suitable distance, holds him a strong chance when he runs in the G2 Sandown Guineas at Sandown in Melbourne on Saturday, November 14.
Time/Date 16.40hrs local time/Saturday, November 14
Course/Country Sandown/Australia
Surface/Distance Turf/1600m
The consistency, class and durability shown by Demonstrate throughout his career, combined with a good gate and a suitable distance, holds him a strong chance when he runs in the G2 Sandown Guineas at Sandown in Melbourne on Saturday, November 14.
Demonstrate (John O'Shea/James McDonald) has maintained a high level of form throughout a career that includes a city-class win at Flemington and multiple stakes placings.
But it was at his most recent appearance that he provided the strongest evidence so far that he might be at his best at distances beyond the sprint trips at which he had been tried.
Trainer John O'Shea said he had been looking forward to testing Demonstrate over more ground and had been delighted with the gelding's effort when he finally found the right race.
That opportunity came in a Listed, 1400m event at Flemington on November 7.
"He's by New Approach so we'd always thought he'd stretch out to at least a mile," O'Shea said.
"And he justified the confidence we had in him last start at Flemington."
Demonstrate finished second to Palantino in that race after appearing to be set for victory when he shot to the front at the 300m.
"He'd done a fair bit of work early in the race and then got left in front a bit soon," said jockey James McDonald.
"But it was a good, honest effort which is typical of him. He goes up another 200m on Saturday but he should have no trouble handling it."
O'Shea said Demonstrate would also be suited by the conditions of the Sandown race which is run at level weights.
"He had to give away up to four kilos to the others last time and it told in the end. This suits him much better."
Demonstrate also has the advantage of a favourable barrier draw at Sandown, having been forced to work hard to up a position outside the leader from a wide gate last time out at Flemington.
