Outback Joe, the regally bred son of the great Let’s Elope, is likely to stay ‘home’ and run at Caulfield on Saturday, missing the Australia Day Stakes at Royal Randwick, reports Racing Network.
Trainer Nigel Blackiston has nominated the last start winner of the Bagot Handicap in both states.
“He’s nominated in both places but I think we’ll stay home...It’s hard enough to win in your own backyard without trying to win away from home,” Blackiston said.
Outback Joe is one of just eight nominations for the $100,000 Australia Day Cup (2400m) in Sydney. He has also been nominated for the 2400-metre Benchmark 96 at Caulfield on Saturday.
Now a six-year-old, Outback Joe has been a slow maturing stayer who has been with several trainers, but he’s found his mark with Blackiston.
“He’s only having his second prep with us but we seem to have brought out the best in him,” Blackiston said.
Outback Joe raced wide throughout but was too tough and out-stayed a solid field to win the $152,000 Bagot Handicap (2800m) on New Year’s Day at Flemington.
“I’m just waiting to get him to two miles (3200m) and hopefully it will happen in either the Sydney or Adelaide Cups this time-in.
"I think he’s a genuine two-miler just waiting,” he added.