Racing: Patched-up Pericles ready for challenge

An impressive gallop on Tuesday persuaded Royal Pericles' trainer that he is fit. Picture / Dean Purcell

Bruce Wallace knows his chances are vulnerable with Royal Pericles tomorrow.

The Takanini trainer goes into the $150,000 Ford Diamond Stakes aware that Royal Pericles could be a touch travel weary after his lightning raid on Melbourne's A$1 million Blue Diamond Stakes two weeks ago.

Only an impressive gallop at home on Tuesday morning persuaded Wallace to start the super-talented grey colt.

Royal Pericles did not get a chance to show his talents in Melbourne when freakish rain downgraded the Caulfield track to heavy.

More than 20mm of rain dropped on Caulfield before the big race and Royal Pericles beat only two home.

"Understandably he lost a bit of weight on the flight home after a tough race," said Wallace.

"It means we haven't been able to train him up, we had to get him up.

"But I was impressed with the way he galloped the other morning."

Wallace sent him out with Stradify, another Stravinsky youngster that is unraced and has made a big impression winning his four barrier trials.

"Stradify goes real well. Royal Pericles sat outside him and Allan [Peard] said he could have run away from the other horse if he'd given him a kick.

"I'm not saying we're in patch-up mode with him, but he's got us guessing a little."

The inside No 3 barrier draw will help. Royal Pericles drew 14 out of 14 runners in the $500,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Classique before going to Melbourne and did remarkably well to be beaten only a long neck by talented southern filly Italia after sitting three wide in mid-field for most of the race.

"I see Italia has drawn No 14 of the 14 runners this time - it'll be interesting to see if she can sit three wide and beat us."

Royal Pericles has been ridden right through by Gary Grylls, who this time has a family commitment and will not be riding tomorrow.

"Initially we weren't sure we were going to run - we were 50-50. Gary said if we were definitely running he'd flag his other obligation and ride him, but not if we were not certain."

Lisa Cropp has landed the ride.

In an effort to curb Royal Pericles' tendency to run wide in the final stages at Ellerslie, Wallace has changed some gear on the colt.

"We've reverted to a normal bit and put a nose band on him. Hopefully that will work well."

The betting should be wide open on the Stakes. Jokers Wild came back to his best with a narrow win in fast time at Matamata; Chateau Cugat has looked ready to step up in class with two straight victories, Chant was unlucky to run into one as good as Naturo at Matamata; a wide barrier draw unhinged Italia last time and Habana must break through eventually.

Then you have talents like Solvini and Cadre Noir.