A pleasing first-up performance by Guizot over an unsuitable distance has the Aaron Purcell-trained galloper ready to put in a better run in the $140,000 Manifold Stakes at Flemington on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Resuming after a four-month break, Guizot ran fifth in the Standish Handicap down the Flemington straight's 1200 metres on January 1.
Purcell believes the excellent second-up form of the imported galloper will stand him in good stead for the 1400-metre race.
"It's not his grand final in the Manifold but he's improved a lot from his run in the Standish," the dual group one-winning trainer said.
"He probably travelled a bit too close in the Standish but he was fresh.
"His record second-up is excellent. Guizot is a handy type of horse. I don't think he gets the credit he deserves."
READ MORE:
From six second-up runs Guizot has registered a win and three minor placings for the Warrnambool-based trainer.
Bookmakers rate Guizot a $9 chance in the early betting markets on the Manifold Stakes.
Fellow Warrnambool trainer Peter Chow saddles up his lightly-raced Paul's Regret in a three-year-old fillies race over 1100 metres at Flemington.
Paul's Regret failed last time at Moonee Valley after a win at the same track and a second placing at Geelong.
Ciaron Maher, who trains in partnership with David Eustace, has no runners in metropolitan races at Melbourne and Sydney this Saturday.
The stable has accepted with Etana, Dubious, Rathlin and Away Game on the Gold Coast.
Etana runs in a $250,000 race while Dubious lines up in the $2 million Guineas, Away Game and Rathlin run in the $2 million Classic.
Both runners have wide barriers. Rathlin has drawn barrier 19 and Away Game will jump from 14. The Classic, which runs over 1200 metres, jumps at 5pm (AEDT).
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.