Racing: Top NZ sprint on agenda

BRISBANE - Rising star Battlefield will launch his international career in the group one Telegraph Handicap at Trentham next year if he fulfils his promise in Melbourne this spring.

New South Wales trainer Paul Messara wants to use a New Zealand trip as experience ahead of a possible venture to Royal Ascot in England for the group one King's Stand Stakes and Golden Jubilee.

The Telegraph, which carries a purse of $1 million, will be run over 1200m on January 23.

Battlefield is a son of Choisir, who became the first Australian sprinter to be recognised in England, when he won the famous Ascot double in 2003.

"Battlefield's only won a couple of stakes races so far but he's a horse on the way up," Messara said. "He makes training so easy and we'd love to take him to England next year if the opportunity arises.

"I know he's got a long way to go but we haven't seen the best of him yet and he's got a huge future."

Messara said because Battlefield was a gelding he would have no trouble coping with the rigours of a tour of duty on the international stage.

"He would have to stand up in Melbourne first and if he does then I'm planning to take him to New Zealand," he said.

Battlefield drew comparisons with former champion Takeover Target when he won the Listed Ramornie Hcp (1200m) at Grafton in July.

The Ramornie win was his fifth victory in seven starts while Takeover Target maintained his unbeaten record when he claimed the 2004 Ramornie at his sixth start.

"He won the Ramornie with half a kilogram more than Takeover Target who was a year older than Battlefield," Messara said.

Battlefield's comeback has been delayed following a minor injury setback and he will now miss his planned return in The Shorts (1200m) at Randwick on October 3.

"He wrenched a fetlock working about two weeks ago but it's not serious," Messara said.

"He'll go straight to Melbourne now and will have a barrier trial at Caulfield next month."

Battlefield will be Messara's first runner in Victoria when he resumes in the Caulfield Sprint (1100m) on Caulfield Cup Day, October 17, before his main mission in the Salinger Stakes (1200m) at Flemington a fortnight later.

Takeover Target followed up his Ramornie victory by winning the 2004 Salinger Stakes at his next start.

Battlefield is raced by a syndicate that includes Messara's father, Arrowfield Stud boss John Messara.

If their dreams of running Battlefield in England fail to eventuate, the sprinter will return to Queensland for the Stradbroke Hcp at Eagle Farm next June.

"I've looked at all the carnivals and the best money for sprinters is in Queensland," Messara said.

"That's why Apache Cat keeps going back there. The money for the big races is about the same but the lead-ups are worth more in Queensland.'

- AAP