Local hope Gatting has been cleared to run in the 2018 Group 1 $1m Magic Millions Kingston Town Classic (1800m) at Ascot in Perth on Saturday.
Damian Lane, above, rides Gatting in the 2018 Kingston Town Classic at Ascot in Perth. Photo by Photo by Adrienne Bicknell.
Gatting was reported to have pulled up lame in the near fore leg after running second to Galaxy Star in the Group 1 $1m Kirin Railway Stakes (1600m) at Ascot a fortnight ago, but has subsequently passed a vet’s examination and will take his place in the last Group 1 race of the year.
Melbourne based Damian Lane returned to his home town of Perth to ride Gatting in the Railway Stakes and will be aboard again in the weight for age Kingston Town Classic.
Lane said the Darren Mcauliffe trained five year old will get a nice run from barrier three in the fourteen horse field and the step up to 1800m for the first time this preparation will suit perfectly.
“He’s got a great chance,” Lane told The West Australian.
“The barrier (three) really helps and the way he was finding the line over a mile, he’s going to appreciate the 1800m.”
Lane said the pace of the race in the Railway Stakes didn’t really suit Gatting but he still produced a great effort to finish in the runner’s up stall.
“They went so quick in the Railway, I was at him the whole way and he never really got a chance to travel,” Lane said.
“I’m hoping over 1800 he gets a chance to travel and finish off like he did first-up.
“They’re obviously not going to go slow, but I think they’ll find their formation and steady off at some stage.”
Gatting has been posted as a $12 chance for the Kingston Town Classic at Ladbrokes.com.au who have the three year old filly Arcadia Queen as the short priced $2.35 favourite.
Arcadia Queen has drawn barrier six with William Pike to take the ride after he chose the W.A. Guineas winner over Railway Stakes winner Galaxy Star.
Chris Parnham secured the ride on Galaxy Star who will jump from barrier thirteen and is the second select in the betting at $4.50 ahead of Railway Stakes third placegetter Material Man at $7.50.
The Mackinnon Stakes winner Trap For Fools is the only other runner under the $10 mark at $8.50 and will jump from barrier ten with Damian Oliver in the saddle.
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