Liberty’s Gem dilemma
Trainer Simon Miller knows only too well that Liberty’s Gem faces a task when he steps out in today’s Neometals Handicap (1400m) at Belmont Park.
Liberty’s Gem will carry 59kg after the 3kg claim of apprentice Jordan Turner against quality opposition as he looks to bank another victory before the Listed $100,000 WAROA Belmont Guineas (1600m) on June 20.
But should the $2.90 favourite prevail, Miller is not certain on what path to take to the Guineas.
“I guess it is a nice problem to have, but he has 62kg tomorrow and the problem is if he wins, where do I go with him post this run over 1400m? He went up 2.5kg for this race and if he wins he goes up another 2kg,” Miller said yesterday.
Liberty’s Gem lost for only the second time in six starts when he was edged out by seasoned gelding New Time a fortnight ago.
The son of Statue Of Liberty won the Listed Placid Ark Stakes (1200m) on November 22, before beating Outlaw Pete in the Group 3 Lee-Steere Classic (1400m) a fortnight later.
He again runs into Outlaw Pete today, but Miller was confident his charge would acquit himself well, despite drawing barrier 10.
“The barrier doesn’t worry me because he is very quick out of the gates,” Miller said.
“New Time is a pretty tough horse and was placed behind Black Heart Bart and Real Love on Super Saturday.
“He can lead or sit tomorrow.”
Outlaw Pete swooped on the leaders to win a 1000m trial in good style at Belmont on May 11.
Trainer Trevor Andrews has taken the lugging bit off the Oratorio gelding for his return, while Dark Alert ($10), who was scratched two starts ago at the gates, will wear a barrier blanket.
Miller will also saddle up two-year-old Regal Gleam, who has been backed from $1.80 into $1.60, in the Creating New Destinies Plate (1300m), and First Among Equals in the St Vincent De Paul Society Sprint (1000m).
First Among Equals’ chances of stretching his winning sequence to four this campaign increased yesterday when Red Ora was scratched.
“I haven’t had to do much with Regal Gleam because of the 10-day gap,” Miller said.
“It was a strong win and she meets virtually the same field.
“First Among Equals is flying and I can’t fault him. There is going to be heaps of speed on and I can see him just perched on them to swoop. He drops 1.5kg on his last win.”
