Michael Kent Jnr fears Warmonger (NZ) (War Decree) might have picked the wrong year to be heading to the Gr.1 Tancred Stakes (2400m), but the Cranbourne trainer is taking solace from the fact the Group One winner is returning to something like his best.
The four-year-old will look to post his first win since last year’s Gr.1 Queensland Derby (2400m) in Saturday’s 2400-metre Group One at Rosehill.
Top international Dubai Honour (Pride Of Dubai), rejuvenated import Vauban (Galiway), Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) winner Duke De Sessa (Lope de Vega) and last past winner Arapaho (Lope de Vega) are among those likely to be there waiting for him but Kent has been buoyed by what he has seen from the gelding in two starts this campaign.
The most recent was a fast-finishing second placing to Alalcance (Mastercraftsman) in the Listed Randwick City Cup (2000m) and Kent was thrilled to see that form franked in Saturday’s Gr.3 Manion Cup (2400m).
“Second-up at 2000 he was much, much better, it was a very good run and the form has stood up with Alalcance bolting over 2400,” Kent, who trains in partnership with Mick Price, said.
“It is looking one of the best editions of the Tancred that I can recall, it’s a very deep race with Vauban, Dubai Honour and Duke De Sessa, just to name a few a few.
“It’s a really, really hot race but he’s going super.”
Warmonger one of 22 nominations for the Tancred, one of two Group Ones at Rosehill this Saturday, alongside the A$1 million Gr.1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m), which is headlined by star Victorian filly Treasurethe Moment (Alabama Express).
Warmonger won the Queensland Derby on a wet track, and while early predictions are for fine conditions during the week but a chance of rain on Saturday, Kent has confidence in Warmonger in all kinds of track conditions.
“I think he gets through wet, but he showed last start on very firm ground that he could sprint at the end of 2000,” he said.
“Last start was the fastest he’s ever sprinted home his last 600 – he was home in sub-34 (seconds) – which is very good for Warmonger.
“That gives us good confidence out to 2400m. He’s a true stayer and he’ll be right in the race.”
