EXCITING colt Cliff’s Edge is tackling season performers in the $2 million Emirates Stakes at Flemington on Saturday but part-owners and Hawkesdale couple David and Robyn Roache hope the three-year-old is up to the challenge.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Victoria’s leading trainer Darren Weir decide to save Cliff’s Edge for the Emirates, instead of running in the $1.5million Derby last Saturday.
Cliff’s Edge is one of three runners that Weir’s Warrnambool satellite stable has in the final group one race for the four day carnival.
His other runners are Tosen Stardom and Gailo Chop.
Roache, who was a talented footballer at Warrnambool and Hawkesdale, said his family were excited to have a runner in the 2000 metre race.
“Weiry and the team at his Warrnambool stable have done an outstanding job with Cliff’s Edge,” Roache said.
“He’s only a three-year-old against top grade horses. He was to run in the Derby but Weiry chose to run in the Emirates.
“Cliff’s Edge has been in work for a while but the magic waters of the beach at the Lady Bay have kept him going. We’ve got family members going to Melbourne.
“It’s really exciting to have a runner in such a big race.”
Cliff’s Edge has won four of his nine starts and is in peak condition for the Emirates, according to Weir’s Warrnambool foreman Jarrod McLean.
“It’s a tough task trying to split our three runners in the Emirates,” McLean said.
“Cliff’s Edge has a weight advantage as he’ll carry 51kgs while the other horses in the race carry a lot more weight.
“Cliff’s Edge should roll forward from his barrier which is a great bonus. He should be competitive.”
Weir’s other Warrnambool runners at Flemington are Howard Be Thy Name, Gallic Chieftain and the undefeated Tamasa.
The first race of the nine-race program will take place at 12.15pm, while the last race will clock in at 5.45pm.
The Emirates Stakes will jump at 4.55pm and is the second-last race.