Clarendon Stakes litmus test for Brisbane Winter Carnival hopeful

Trainer David Payne is hoping to target the Brisbane Winter Carnival with Gleneagles but needs to see the talented colt pass Saturday’s Clarendon Stakes (1400m) litmus test at Hawkesbury first.

A date with the Group 1 J.J. Atkins Stakes on June 12 sits atop of his wish list as he looks to snare some black type with his one-time Magic Millions hopeful.

Gleneagles was being set on a Magic Millions path when trained by Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young for his first two starts but never made it to the $2 million Classic.

He was transferred to the care of Payne after two starts and the Rosehill trainer opted to give the juvenile a break to aim for the winter.

Saturday will be his second start for his new stable after breaking his maiden over 1000m at Hawkesbury on April 5.

“I think he is a nice type of horse that’s certainly above average,” Payne said.

“I got him in January after the Magic Millions and he is a very laid back horse. He‘s a lovely horse.

“The plan is to take him to Brisbane for a couple of runs but we will have to see how he shapes up on Saturday.

“If he doesn’t shape up, he won’t be going but I expect him to run well.”

Jason Collett has been booked to partner Gleneagles in the Clarendon Stakes at Hawkesbury on Saturday. Photo: Mark Evans/Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images

Gleneagles has drawn favourably in barrier one for the Clarendon Stakes and will have Jason Collett aboard on Saturday.

“It can be tricky with the small field but I will leave it up to the jockey to decide and have him where he is comfortable,” Payne said.

“I think one of Chris Waller‘s (Aslav) goes pretty good so it will be a challenge.

“Our colt has pleased me and he‘ll will go there in good order.

“It‘s all systems go.”

Payne will saddle up outside chances in the Listed Hawkesbury Gold Rush (1100m) and Group 3 Hawkesbury Gold Cup (1600m).

Charge ($51) lines up in the sprint feature while returning stayer Costello ($26) contests the Cup.

“Charge is well in himself but he is not an easy horse to train,” Payne said.

“He only knows two speeds, walk or gallop. I got him from Singapore and they warned me about him so we swim him a lot.

“Costello is doing well although it‘s a bit short of his best on Saturday.

“All things going well we will look at Brisbane with him.”

Payne also has War Baron in the Living Turf Benchmark 78 Handicap (1800m).

Originally published asPayne aiming high with promising Gleneagles

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