Booker ready for four-way Thousand Guineas battle

Brad Waters - Thursday October 12

Two star fillies stood in the way of Mathew Ellerton and Simon Zahra's last Thousand Guineas placegetter but a far more even field confronts the training duo's 2017 contender.

Booker will have a crack at Group I level in the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield. Photo: Darryl Sherer

Ellerton and Zahra prepared Sharnee Rose, who went into the 2011 Thousand Guineas as a maiden before finishing third to the subsequent multiple Group I winners Atlantic Jewel and Mosheen.

"There isn't an Atlantic Jewel in this race but I do think Booker is a better horse than what Sharnee Rose was at that stage," Zahra said.

The pair's last two Thousand Guineas runners have missed a place but Zahra says their charge Booker is a great chance after her fighting win in the Group II Thousand Guineas Prelude (1400m) on October 1.

Booker finds herself in an eight-horse field in this year's edition of the Thousand Guineas but Zahra says the $500,000 race will be an even contest, which could result in more speed than the Thousand Guineas Prelude.

"In saying that, the top four fillies, I don't think there is a lot between them," he said.

"Alizee is a good filly, Leather'n'lace is on the way up and Shoals is a pretty serious horse and they might put a bit more pressure on this time."

Zahra said Booker has had a light lead-in to the Thousand Guineas after fighting off Shoals and Catchy, who will tackle the Caulfield Guineas, last time out and completed her preparation with a short gallop at Flemington on Tuesday.

"She didn't need a lot of work because she had a tough run the other day so she just ran home (400m) in 24 on the grass with a mate. Did it on the bit," Zahra said.

"We just wanted to save a bit for raceday.

"She's probably not as pumped-up as she has been but that's a good thing because she can be highly-strung but since that race, she has been pretty settled."

Dwayne Dunn will be aboard Booker again in the Thousand Guineas and Zahra expects similar on-pace tactics.

"I think she'll roll forward and sit outside the leader but she could lead if it works out that way unless Shoals kicks up and makes us work to get there," Zahra said.

Booker is a $6.50 chance in Sportsbet's latest Thousand Guineas market.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Magic Millions 2025 Magazine Online
The 2025 Magic Millions magazine is now online with a great mix of gallery images, editorial and vendor profilies.
Pinhook Winners 2024 NZB Ready to Run – Churchill Colt the Star
A record breaking NZB Ready to Run Sale this week at Karaka delivered plenty of pinhook success with 18 two year-olds selling for $300,000 or more above their yearling purchase price, so let’s take a look at some of the best of them.
Best On Breeding
The cerise, white crossed sashes and black cap of Bob Peters, Peter's Investments, may not be the once dominant force they have been for decades in Western Australian racing, but they are far from finished.
Luberon Heads Cambridge Stud Saturday Charge
Lance Noble will attempt to add to a strong run of spring form for Cambridge Stud when he sends out five well-credentialled runners in Brendan and Jo Lindsay’s black and gold colours at Pukekohe on Saturday.
Sires With Winners - Friday November 22
Here is the full list of 46 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Halo Racing Reduction features in November (Late) catalogue
Shares in reigning G1 Caulfield Cup champion Duke de Sessa, G1 Toorak Hcp winner Attrition and tomorrow’s G1 Railway Stakes favourite Light Infantry Man headline an exciting Inglis Digital November (Late) Online Sale.
Cambridge Stud News
It’s been the spring that keeps giving for Cambridge Stud and it’s not over yet.
Catalogue Online for the Southern Hemisphere Session of the Tattersalls Online December Sale
The catalogue of initial entries for the Southern Hemisphere Session, an innovative collaboration between Tattersalls Online and Inglis Digital, has now been published on the Tattersalls Online website.
One to Watch – Moonee Valley
This promising three year-old Cosmic Force filly made it wo wins in as many starts at Moonee Valley on Friday night with a tenacious display.
$1.3million Snitzel Colt Ready to Fire on Debut for Te Akau
Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson are confident they have the young firepower to make an early impression in the first of the black type features at Pukekohe Park on Saturday.