Trainer Jim Taylor has given a confident nod to Ginnivan defending his title in the $100,000 Jolly Beggar Stakes (1000m) at Belmont on Saturday, despite a minor hiccup delaying the gelding’s return to racing.
Ginnivan is aiming to go back-to-back in the Jolly Beggar Stakes after leading all the way to defeat Puli by 2 ½ lengths in last year’s edition of the race.
Ginnivan is ready to resume in a race where the conditions suit him ideally, Belmont is a track he thrives on and the 1000m distance combined with soft ground conditions he will face plays perfectly to his strengths.
“I know it’s not going to rain much until after Saturday, but with the cold weather it won’t dry out much, so the wetter the better for him,” Taylor said on Tabradio.
“He enjoys being at Belmont, it’s where he’s won all his races, so all good track wise.”
A minor illness at his first trial back in June briefly interrupted his preparation, but he has since trialled well and is now primed to resume.
“He had a bit of a setback, we trialled him and he ran well below his best,” Taylor said.
“He was beaten nine or ten lengths, so we did blood tests, and he had a bad allergy.
“We put him back in the paddock for two or three weeks and the allergy has all gone.
“He’s come back a little later than we thought, but he was a lot sharper in the trial the other day.”
The speedy on pace runner has drawn barrier five in the field of six and will be partnered by Jason Brown, who returns to the saddle for Ginnivan’s first start this campaign.
He’s currently rated a $3.20 chance with Tabtouch, second favourite behind Hanchi at $2.40.
Other contenders are Cut The Talk ($5.50), Puli ($7), Gemma’s Son ($8) and Ghost Who Walks ($20).
Victory on Saturday would continue a strong run for Taylor, who has enjoyed a successful August with winners including Magic Belle, Delicate Ruler, Niccimota and the impressive Swingman
Julio Santarelli