Robbie Griffiths would like to give emerging sprinter The Quarterback his chance in the Newmarket Handicap, reports Racing Network.
Griffiths said the $1 million race at Flemington, the scene of The Quarterback’s past two wins, on March 14 is the race he wants to target with the four-year-old.
He said he’s considering running The Quarterback, winner of Saturday’s Listed Kensington Stakes, in the W.J. Adams Stakes (1000m) at Sportingbet Park on Australia Day.
“Then it would be four weeks to the (Black Caviar) Lightning and if he ran well enough in those two races we’d look at the Newmarket,” Griffiths said.
“I’d like to have a crack at the Newmarket if he can keep taking the next step, but I have to be sensible — he may not be ready this year.”
The Quarterback’s newfound ability to take up a position instead of settling at or near the rear of the field has helped his conversion into a bona fide sprinter.
He has closed with explosive acceleration at his past two starts to win running quick final sectional splits.
Griffiths said Angelic Light, winner of the McEwen Stakes and runner-up in the Manikato Stakes, is back in work with next month's Oakleigh Plate as a likely first-up destination.
He said he would like to aim Angelic Light at the William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley in late March then take the mare to the Sangster and Goodwood during the Adelaide carnival.