From the $1.3 million Kosciuszko to the Murrumbidgee Turf Club, Goulburn galloper Ruthless Agent will take his place in Friday’s $35,000 Stan Sadleir Stakes (1400m) at Wagga.
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Trainer Kurt Goldman had also nominated Ruthless Agent at Goulburn on Sunday to defend his title in the $32,000 Anniversary Cup (1300m).
But on Thursday, Goldman scratched the five-year-old gelding from Goulburn (where he had 60kg and barrier 12) and confirmed Wagga was the preferred option, despite 61kg and the outside gate, barrier nine.
“He beat Matty Dale’s horse (Rinviata) two starts ago at Moruya. Obviously he goes up a bit in weight but 1400m, the big track and small field all suit,” Goldman said.
“I think the horse is in a good frame of mind. I can’t fault him on his work. He hit a wet track last start which didn’t suit him but it appears to have had no effect on him and he hasn’t put a foot wrong since.”
That last start was the inaugural Kosciusko (1200m) at Randwick where a staggering $685,000 was up for grabs for the winner.
Wet weather cruelled their chances and Goldman had mixed feelings after Ruthless Agent finished last on a track rated a heavy nine.
“It was great, obviously it was part of history,” Goldman said of the occasion.
“But I truly believe that if it hadn’t been a wet track, he probably would’ve been in with a chance. He seems to be back to some of his best form, so that was a shame but it was good to be a part of it. The most important thing is he came through unscathed and no ill effects out of it.”
Mitchell Bell has the ride and Goldman said, with the big weight and wide gate, he’ll back the hoop’s judgement on where to settle depending on how he starts.
Goldman is also bringing Missed Out and Or Else to the Showcase meeting at Wagga where every race is worth a minimum $30,000 in prizemoney.
Ruthless Agent is a $5.50 chance with Rinviata favourite at $3.50 in the Stan Sadlier Stakes which honours one of the best racing administrators the MTC has seen.
Last year’s winner Rock On Zariz returns for the Joseph and Jones stable from Canberra.
Wagga trainer Chris Heywood – who is sponsoring the race this year – is also back with Not Too Sure after being narrowly beaten as a 100-1 shot last year.
Gary Colvin (Noble Descent), Trevor Sutherland (My Maher) and Scott Spackman (Didnt Even Kiss Me) are the other Wagga-trained runners in the event.
