3 minute read
Trainer Edward O’Rourke would be a little disappointed if promising galloper Iron Man doesn’t earn himself a shot at stakes company this preparation.
The five-year-old can take a big step toward that achievement if he completes a hat-trick in the Hyland Race Colours Handicap (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Edward O'Rourke has long held the gelding in high regard and his form since returning from a long spell has him quietly confident the best can still be ahead.
"There is a big race in him, I just don't know what it is at the moment,'' he said.
"I'd just like to take him through the grades, win as many races and give the horse as much confidence as I can.
"If he can win on Saturday we'll take a serious look at the program because if he keeps heading in this direction we'll have to give Group company consideration."
Interestingly, O'Rourke said he originally had the Group 2 Missile Stakes in mind as an early target for Iron Man but navigating the wet tracks since he resumed in June held him back.
It might be a blessing in disguise as the Hawkesbury trainer will be able to build Iron Man's rating for a couple more starts before he asks a bigger question.
Iron Man went a month between runs after his first-up win at Canterbury into a runaway success at Rosehill three weeks ago, downing Willaidow who will oppose him again, and the style of it told O'Rourke he has the horse flying.
"I know it was only a 78 on a Saturday but it doesn't matter, he did it in impressive fashion,'' he said.
"That was a big relief because when you've got an opinion of the horse, and the owners have been very patient, you like to see them deliver what you think they can.
"We waited on the right tracks and he sat three wide the trip, admittedly with cover, and he just put them away.
"I'd like to keep him around the 1200m at the moment and keep him a little bit fresh, it seems to be working, and who knows where the ceiling is."
Jockey Tyler Schiller has been on board Iron Man, $5.50 with TAB on Wednesday, all preparation, and rides him in trackwork, and O'Rourke is rapt the star hoop is keen to stick with him.
From what he sees as an ideal draw on Saturday, despite a 3kg weight penalty for his second-up win, the trainer said he'll go to Randwick expecting the horse to produce his best again.
"Hopefully there's a fair bit of speed and he'll be harder to beat the quicker they go,'' he said.
"The only instruction I've ever given to Tyler is make sure he jumps well then after that it's up to you.
"That turn of foot at Rosehill was very impressive, there was a strong crosswind that day and to have that turn of foot was huge for me.
"I always knew he had it but to really see it, to close that margin on a nice horse, gave me a good feeling."
