Racing: Barrier draws upset trainer

Vinnie Eagle (No6) was still second favourite for the Inglis Classic yesterday despite his poor draw. Photo / Natalie Slade

Cambridge trainer Tony Pike craves one wish as he takes horses into the features on either side of the Tasman tomorrow. "I really wish I could swap the barrier draws for Waterford (Telegraph) and Vinnie Eagle (Inglis Classic)."

Most trainers would love to have drawn barrier No1 in the $250,000 J&N Berkett Telegraph at Trentham, but that came as a big shock for Pike.

"It's the worst possible draw for her," he said with exasperation.

"I was hoping for something around No12 or No13."

Pike's disappointment was deepened when unbeaten juvenile Vinnie Eagle drew the outside barrier in tomorrow's A$250,000 ($264,650) Inglis Classic at Randwick.

"It would be absolute perfection if I could swap those two barrier draws."

With a capacity 18-horse Telegraph field there is a strong chance of getting hampered on the inside for a horse like Waterford, who prefers time to settle and work home strongly.

"Oh well, that's up to the jockey [Leith Innes] now. He'll have to find a path through them."

After outstanding lead-up form Waterford struck an unsuitable softish track in the Railway at Ellerslie and did extremely well to finish second. There are a few showers forecast for Wellington today and tonight, but Pike doesn't want to even think about that. "She has trained on well, that's all I want to focus on."

Pike's hopes for Vinnie Eagle took a hit when the favourite Boomwaa drew the rails in the Inglis Classic. He said yesterday that means there is no option but to go forward early on Vinnie Eagle.

"We're not going to die wondering. He's got brilliant gate speed and brilliant tactical speed once under way so we'll be trying to cross the field. If he doesn't make it he will sit outside the favourite."

Vinnie Eagle was yesterday quoted as second favourite around the $4 mark. Leith Innes has stayed back to ride, among others, Waterford, and Vinnie Eagle will be ridden by James McDonald.

The impressive colt arrived in Sydney in good shape on Wednesday night accompanied by former top trainer Don Sellwood.

One of Waterford's dangers is 3-year-old Cauthen. The Darci Brahma colt has had a meagre four-race career, but he has made a huge impact in that quartet of races.

Few, if any, horses have been able to win a major group one such as a Telegraph against the older horses at their fifth race start.

"I'm aware it's a big ask," says trainer Andrew Campbell, "but he's very well and ready to resume."

Cauthen has not raced since pulling up with shin soreness in Melbourne in early September. "He's had two gallops between races and a jump-out here the other day and I'm delighted with him.

"He's got no weight (52kg) and he has a brilliant turn of foot.

"We are hopeful more than confident."

The much-heralded Triple Trio makes its debut at Trentham tomorrow with the TAB guaranteeing a $1 million pool.

The extremely popular Hong Kong betting medium involves picking the first three horses home in any order in three consecutive races.

Tomorrow those races are R8, R9 and R10 at Trentham. Watch for an in-depth look at the Triple Trio in tomorrow's Weekend Herald.