Our Paladin Al’s outstanding closing finish last start has whet the appetite of trainer Russell Stewart ahead of the gelding’s crack at Saturday’s Listed Aquanita Stakes (2019m) in Bunbury.
Numerically, finishing fourth was Our Paladin Al’s lowest placing to date, but aesthetically, it was eye-catching and had all the hallmarks of a genuine Aquanita Stakes contender.
Our Paladin Al was last on straightening in a 1600m Pinjarra handicap two weeks ago, but by the post, he was one length from the winner Arcadia Park after a powerhouse finish.
Our Paladin Al, a son of A Lot, has taken quick strides in his maiden campaign, compiling a nice resume with two wins, both at 1600m, and two placings from five career starts since debuting at Pinjarra in April.
Our Paladin Al has to worry over six other rivals in the Aquanita Stakes but reinforced after what he witnessed last time out, Stewart has backed in his three-year-old to get the job done.
“That was the run of a horse that’s screaming out for 2000m,” Stewart said on Tabradio
“He’s done well since and that was an absolute sparkler, it was a cracking run.
“Not many horses would have made up that sort of ground.
“He was like a bullet over the last 300m.
“We’re on foreign territory like everyone over 2000m, but on that run you would think he’d be looking for it.”
At $3.10, Our Paladin Al has taken over as Aquanita Stakes favourite, firming from $3.60.
Redback Flyer, who opened favourite, has eased to $3.90.
Elite Missile sits on the second line at $3.20, in from $3.40.
Our Paladin Al’s last start conqueror, Arcadia Park is $6.
William Pike, chasing a fifth Aquanita Stakes win, is the new partner for Our Paladin Al.
Pike can add to his Aquanita Stakes tally after guiding home Upper Limits (2023), True Attraction (2019), Arcadia Deam (2016) and Lord Hatras (2012).
Meanwhile, earlier, Stewart believes Stylish Lord has found a winnable race in the Tabtouch Westspeed Platinum Handicap (1400m).
“He’s quite in this horse,” Stewart said.
“He raced in a 72 plus last start with 56,5kg and carries 2kg more going into a 58 class.
“He’s quite well weighted and is going well.
“His last run was pretty good the other day.
“He hadn’t raced for six weeks and just had a little blow.
“He’s come on from that."
Stylish Lord carries 58.5kg with the claim of Amy Jo Hayes. The Irish-born jockey gets her first taste of Saturday racing.
Stylish Lord is $6.50 with Tabtouch.
Julio Santarelli