By Mathew Toogood
Falcent doesn’t have the CV of most of his Aurie’s Star Handicap rivals but trainer Doug Harrison believes it is the right race for the sprinter’s introduction to Group company.
The last start winner makes his first stakes race appearance in the 1200m Group Three on Saturday and despite taking on the likes of three Group One winners, Falcent has a few things in his favour.
“He’s done well since his last-start win and we thought if we got a wet track it was well worth having a crack,” Harrison said.
“Generally horses are coming into this race off a spell and he’s got a bit of race fitness under his belt.
“He’s had a go down the straight and won, and he has handled the wet so he ticks a few boxes.”
Falcent scored the third win of his career when successful over 1100m on a slow track at Flemington last start against his own age.
While Harrison hasn’t raced the gelding in stakes company before, he has had a good opinion of the son of Falkirk since he first saw him at a breeze-up sale in New Zealand.
“Tomorrow is a big test,” he said.
“He’s stepping up in class but he’s always had a bit of an x-factor about him.”
Dwayne Dunn retains the ride on Falcent after partnering him to his narrow win three weeks ago.
Last start All Victorian Sprint Series Final winner Riziz is favourite at $3.40 ahead of 2011 Aurie’s Star winner Temple Of Boom ($4) and dual Group One winner Luckygray ($5).
Falcent is at $13.
The Flemington track was rated slow on Friday.
While Harrison is keen to see how Falcent fares, jockey Stephen Baster is looking forward to reuniting with Australian Guineas winner Ferlax in the Aurie’s Star.
Baster’s only race ride on the Jim Conlan-trained galloper resulted in an Australian Guineas triumph in March.
Baster expects Ferlax to run well but says the proven sprinters will be the horses to beat over the short-course journey.
“He’s a very nice horse and I’d be surprised if he’s not competitive in some nice races this spring,” Baster said.
© Australian Associated Press Pty Limited (AAP) 2013
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After a well deserved win from Rule The Way yesterday at Geelong we are hoping that has set the ball rolling for a fun day at Flemington today!
Rule The Way lead from start to finish in the 1300m handicap, fending off a late challenge before hitting the line hard.
A superb ride from Ruth Bradley and a big congratulations to the owners of Rule The Way.
Today Falcent runs the race of his life in the Group 3 Aurie’s Star. We wish Falcent the best of luck for his step up in grade.
Good luck to owners of Falcent for his Group 3 race today at Flemington!