He may be yet to open his account, but Exceed The Planet is as well placed as any of his rivals to win tomorrow’s Group 2 White Claw-WA Guineas (1600m), according to trainer Sue Olive.
The three-year-old has produced two impressive performances at his most recent outings when third and second in the Listed Belgravia Stakes (1200m) and Listed Fairetha Stakes (1400m) respectively.
Prior to that, he finished fifth to Magna’s Choice in a Maiden at Northam.
Despite not opening his account in his five career starts to date, Olive said the son of Exceedance was worthy of being a contender in the $500,000 event.
“It’s quite remarkable he’s a maiden and getting into the Guineas,” Olive told TABradio.
“We’ve always had an opinion of him.
“He’s always shown us he’s got the X-factor.”
Olive is no stranger to preparing a competitive WA Guineas horse, having trained Blue Lagoon to run fourth in the race last year behind Zipaway.
Exceed The Planet has drawn barrier six in tomorrow’s feature event, with fancied runners September Born (barrier four) and Olympic Park (five) drawn next to him.
Olive said she would leave it to jockey Patrick Carbery on how he wanted to approach the race.
“He knows the horse and what he’s got underneath him,” she said.
“He will pick his path and hopefully bring him home.
“He’s looking a million dollars.
“He trained well in his gallop on Tuesday and it’s up to him what he brings to the table on Saturday.”
September Born ($2.50) is a warm favourite for the WA Guineas, while Exceed The Planet is on the third line of betting at $11.
Olive will be hoping Red Sun Sensation can deliver her a blacktype win earlier in the day, when he lines up in the Glenroy Chaff-A.J.Scahill Cup (2100m).
The five-year-old finished third to Diamond Scene in the Luckygray Stakes (1800m) at his most recent outing.
Olive said she expected another strong showing from the son of Awesome Rock tomorrow.
“The 2100 should suit,” she said.
“He’s pulled a bit of beef off since the last race.
“He had a nice gallop on Tuesday with a couple of Justine’s (Erkelens) and it was good work.”
Tim Walker
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WATCH - The Fairetha Stakes