Astute New Zealand trainer Murray Baker is thinking about changing his original plans with Cox Plate favourite It’s A Dundeel.
Baker has gone on record several times since his three-year-old son of super-sire High Chapparal scored a six-length win in the Australian Derby, that he would resume in the 1600-metre Makybe Diva Stakes in the Spring.
That was before the Memsie Stakes over 1400 metres was upgraded to a Group 1.
“With the Memsie now a Group 1 it certainly influenced our decision, being a colt if he could win a Group 1 over 1400 it would be great for his future prospects at stud,” Baker said today.
Baker said the horse’s main goal had always been the Cox Plate and he would use the Underwood Stakes (1800m) and the Yalumba Stakes (2000m) as his direct path to that race.
It’s A Dundeel has been back in work with Baker at Cambridge for a month, but as we told you on Racing Network six weeks ago, the horse will race exclusively in Melbourne throughout the Spring. (www.racingnetwork.com.au)