Trainer Clinton McDonald is hoping for minimal rain this week to give Pacino a crack at the Group One Turnbull Stakes at Flemington.McDonald, who also has the six-year-old nominated for Saturday's Group Three $125,000 Craven Plate (2000m) at Randwick, said the Turnbull over the same distance was an appealing target being a Group One worth $500,000 and presenting a handicap advantage under the set weight and penalty conditions."I wouldn't mind giving him a go at the Turnbull because he is going t
Trainer Clinton McDonald is hoping for minimal rain this week to give Pacino a crack at the Group One Turnbull Stakes at Flemington.
McDonald, who also has the six-year-old nominated for Saturday's Group Three $125,000 Craven Plate (2000m) at Randwick, said the Turnbull over the same distance was an appealing target being a Group One worth $500,000 and presenting a handicap advantage under the set weight and penalty conditions.
"I wouldn't mind giving him a go at the Turnbull because he is going to drop a bit in weight compared to what he met those horses in the Makybe Diva Stakes," McDonald said.
"He has a very good record at 2000 metres and he is racing in good form but the weather will dictate where we run."
Pacino is a duffer in the wet and as he is not in the Caulfield or Melbourne Cups, McDonald is committed to taking his chances with the gelding where he can on suitable ground.
This campaign he has raised the bar for Pacino and he has responded with encouraging Group Two performances at his past two starts.
He was beaten just over two lengths when sixth to Vigor in the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington and last start just failed in a photo finish to beat Miss Marielle in the Hill Stakes (1900m) at Rosehill.
"He wasn't beaten far in the Makybe Diva and we probably had to ride him a touch close that day," McDonald said.
"In the Turnbull you would think there would be better speed and that will suit him so he can be ridden a little bit quieter.
Meanwhile Colin Little needs for a new jockey for Turnbull contender El Segundo after Luke Nolen was suspended following an inquiry into Noel Callow's fall at Sandown last Wednesday.
Nolen was found guilty of careless riding on Monday for allowing his mount Johanski to shift in near the 1000 metres when not sufficiently clear of Golden Portrait which clipped heels, dislodging Callow who was lucky to escape serious injury.
Nolen will not appeal the suspension and will resume riding on Caulfield Cup Day.
El Segundo is following the same Cox Plate winning path of two years ago through the Aurie's Star Handicap, Memsie Stakes, Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes and Turnbull.
Last start he was beaten just over four lengths when sixth to Whobegotyou in the Data Tan Chin Nam.
A total of 27 horses have been nominated for the Turnbull including Melbourne Cup winner Viewed and his Bart Cummings-trained stablemates Roman Emperor and Allez Wonder.
Lloyd Williams-owned Melbourne Cup winner Efficient is also among the Turnbull entries as are stablemate C'est La Guerre, Zipping and Renewable.
Craig Williams will ride 2008 Cox Plate winner Maldivian who was a brave last-start fourth to Heart Of Dreams in the Underwood Stakes while Glen Boss will ride Anthony Cummings-trained Red Lord.
Danny O'Brien's three nominations are Makybe Diva winner Vigor, Douro valley and Master O'Reilly.