Racing: Chasm returns home with bright prospects in sprint

After two encouraging placings behind Solo Flyer in NSW, Chasm is primed to win today's group three Victoria Handicap on his home track at Caulfield.

The winner of the group three Sandown Stakes (1500m) last spring had been set on a path towards the A$2 million ($2.5 million) Doncaster Mile at Randwick on Saturday week if he was good enough to win his lead-up races.

But trainer Heath Conners decided to bring him home after he finished runner-up in the Newmarket Handicap (1400m) at Newcastle and third in the group two Ajax Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill.

"He only got beaten a half-length in the Newmarket and took about three-quarters of a second off the course record, and his last run at Rosehill was good too," Conners said.

"The plan was to go to the Doncaster if he won but he didn't, so we decided to bring him back to Melbourne for this race and there is another race for him at Flemington two weeks after that."

That race is the listed Auckland Racing Club Handicap (1600m) on Anzac Day.

Chasm has an excellent strike-rate of seven wins from 15 starts despite not winning in four starts this preparation.

"You have to ride him quietly back in the field and he'll finish off with great sectionals, but they tend to get a little bit away from him," Conners said.

Regular rider Jason Benbow will again be aboard Chasm, who drew barrier 12 in the field of 16 plus three emergencies.

Among the top-weighted runners to fair poorly at the draw were 2007 Emirates Stakes winner Tears I Cry (17), Cocinero (15), Doncaster aspirant Pinnacles (19) and Skiddaw Peak (16).

The Mike Moroney-trained Skiddaw Peak will have crack rider Glen Boss to help him overcome the wide gate.

A favourable draw of barrier seven has improved the prospects of Sound Journey but, like Conners with Chasm, trainer Mark Kavanagh is counting on a fast pace to help the 4-year-old break through for his first win since joining the stable.

Formerly with Mick Price, Sound Journey won the 2008 group two Alister Clark Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley before finishing a close fourth to then stablemate Light Fantastic in the group one Australian Guineas (1600m) at his next start at Flemington.

The horse didn't come up in three outings last spring and found his way to Kavanagh, for whom he has had three starts for encouraging second placings at his past two appearances.

After finishing runner-up to Victoria Handicap rival Pinnacles over 1400m at Flemington, Sound Journey was beaten a nose when second to Skiddaw Peak in the listed Anniversary Vase (1400m) at Caulfield on March 28.

"He raced a bit fresh and he was up on the speed last start. It was disappointing there wasn't more pace on," said Kavanagh, who is hoping apprentice Ibriham Gundogdu can position just off the pace this time.

Chasm retains favouritism in an open race ahead of second emergency Tindal.

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The oldest and the best is what trainer David Brideoake is hoping for with Daka's Gem today.

The 9-year-old is the elder statesman of the field in the group three Easter Cup and if experience counts, he has to be hard to beat.

A veteran of 83 starts, he has been to the races almost twice as often as the next most frequent, 7-year-old Blutigeroo with 43 starts, while Renewable (13), Miss Maren (16) and Just Look (17) are the new kids on the block.

"He's a marvellous old horse and every time he goes around he gives you a run for your money," Brideoake said.

Daka's Gem is a noted wet tracker and after a campaign that included victory in the Ballarat Cup last November has come back better than ever.

- AAP