Last-start winner Welwal will wear blinkers for the first time when he contests the $1 million The Supernova on Saturday, representing one of two runners for trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr.
The French import, purchased for $330,000 in May through an Inglis Digital sale by stable client Alf Gauci and his family, made an impressive winning debut for his new stable in the Group 3 Kevin Heffernan Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on November 30.
With significant prize money on offer, connections have opted to add blinkers based on advice from jockey James McDonald.
“J-Mac, who has ridden him before, said that he would be suited by blinkers, so we are experimenting with them,” Price told Racing.com.
Price expressed confidence in Welwal’s performance in blinkers during trackwork on Saturday at Cranbourne and noted that the gelding is likely to excel on rain-affected ground at Pakenham, similar to the heavy track conditions he thrived on at Caulfield.
The Kevin Heffernan Stakes served as a ‘win and you’re in’ qualifier for The Supernova, earning Welwal the Melbourne Racing Club and Sportsbet slot.
Price and Kent Jnr’s other runner in the race is Robrick, who will run in Carl Holt’s slot after finishing seventh of 14 in The Meteorite.
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