Co-trainer Michael Kent Jnr remains unfazed by Warmonger’s below-par performance in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) as the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) winner gears up for Saturday’s $5 million Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m).
After a strong fourth in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) first-up, Warmonger finished 11th in the Turnbull behind Via Sistina, a result Kent Jnr attributes to second-up fatigue.
“The best example of a horse being second-up, having the edge off, and then rebounding was Via Sistina, who beat us in the Turnbull,” Kent Jnr told Racing.com.
“Second-up off a hard run where he chased home Pride Of Jenni on a heavy track, he had the edge off him and was looking for 2400 metres.
“We’ve trained him for the Caulfield Cup, and I certainly think he’s on track.”
With Warmonger stepping up in distance and dropping in weight, Kent Jnr is optimistic about his chances.
“He likes to get his toe into the ground, and there is rain forecast, so it won’t hurt his chances.
“He has been vibrant at home, so all the signs are positive.”
Connections plan to continue on to the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) after the Caulfield Cup, with Warmonger currently rated a $15 chance with horse racing bookmakers for Saturday and an $18 chance for the Flemington showpiece on November 5.
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