3 minute read

A pair of sprinters late in the program can capitalise on sizeable weight swings over those who narrowly defeated them last start.

The first is Federal who contests the Listed Luskin Star Stakes (1300m).

Federal has been in excellent form so far this campaign, winning first up over 1400m at Rosehill before a closing fourth in the Group 3 Hall Mark Stakes (1200m), beaten just a long neck.

The son of Medaglia D’Oro on that occasion was beaten by Music Magnate who he again faces here four weeks later.

After the Hall Mark Stakes which was held under Set Weights plus Penalties, the pair now contests the Luskin Star Stakes under Handicap conditions.

The result of this is a sizeable weight swing of 4.5kg in favour of Federal.

He should also appreciate a step up to 1300m and comes out of what looks the strongest form line brought into this contest.

12 and 50 day weight adjusted Timeform ratings have Federal sitting well clear of anything in this field and shapes as an excellent chance of turning the tables on Music Magnate in the sixth event at Scone.

Two races later, Kuro lines up in the Arrowfield Ortensia Stakes (1100m).

Kuro returned to racing under the care of Joe Pride with a respectable third in an Open Handicap (1100m) at Hawkesbury a fortnight ago.

The son of Denman was finding the line well under a sizeable 61kg impost.

The rising five-year-old was beaten by the likes of Furnaces and Inz’n’out on that occasion.

14 days later he meets Furnaces 4kg better at the weights and Inz’n’out 2.5kg better.

Furthermore, he is one of only three horses who sit inside the handicap of this event with That’s A Good Idea and Brook Road the other two.

These are noticeable weight swings and there is a lot to suggest Kuro can build upon what he produced first up.

Kuro returned to the Joe Pride stable this preparation off a poor start to the season whilst based in Melbourne.

A dual Group 1 placed, multiple stakes winning sprinter, connections elected to geld Kuro during his latest spell.

Early signs suggest a more rounded racehorse will be on display this campaign.

Like Federal in the Luskin Star Stakes, the weight swing Kuro receives over his main market danger put the Joe Pride runner at the top of the field in terms of 12 month and 50 day weight adjusted Timeform ratings.

They say change is as good as a holiday and either a stable switch or the decision to geld Kuro has sparked him back to life as a racehorse.

Sydney Specials: Scone – May 14

Best Of The Day: Race 6; #6 Federal @ $2.80