Two Stawell trainers will be competing in the same race of the Melbourne Cup carnival on Thursday.
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Paul Jones and Doug Whitworth will both have runners in the Melbourne Cup Carnival Country Series Final to be raced on Oaks Day at Flemington on Thursday.
Jones’ four-year-old Barry the Baptist stormed home to victory at the qualifying race for the final at Hamilton on Sunday, October 29.
Jones said the gelding did well to get up at Hamilton after a recent string of injuries.
“It was always our aim to have him at Hamilton for that race but he had a paddock injury which set back his preparation,” he said.
“It was a bit of a squeeze to get him there, but he came back well and the firm track at Hamilton really suited him.”
Jones said he was slightly surprised by Barry the Baptist’s success in the 1600 metre race, as he was bred to run in longer races.
“He hasn’t been mature enough to run more than a mile,” he said.
“We are quite happy he can be competitive over the shorter journey. He should be somewhere near his top now.
“We like him – he is a nice horse even though he is immature for his age.”
It is one of the greatest racing stages in the world
- Paul Jones
Barry the Baptist will join Whitworth’s I Am The Dark, who qualified for the final at Flemington after a victory at Murtoa on October 7.
Both trainers are confident their horses will be able to compete well for the massive prize money of $200,000.
Whitworth said he hopes the best for both horses.
“I wish Paul all the best and hopefully we make it a good contest,” he said.
“He (I Am The Dark) will be a genuine chance and should go close to winning – there are no excuses from my end.”
I Am The Dark is in good form, recording a second consecutive win at Cranbourne just one week after the qualifier win at Murtoa.
Jones Whitworth said it is a great thing to see two Stawell trainers get an opportunity to showcase themselves at Flemington in Melbourne Cup week.
“I think it is a great advertisement for Stawell,” Whitworth said.
“Flemington at the cup carnival is a different thing – it is one of the greatest racing stages in the world,” Jones said.
“It is a testament to the people and trainers in the area to have two horses qualify for the same race on such a big stage.”
The two Stawell horses will take on the field of 16 in race seven on Oaks day on Thursday.
The time of the race is yet to be confirmed.
