Linebacker will launch his spring campaign in the Group 2 Tramway Stakes at Randwick from a wide draw, but co-trainer Tom Charlton is taking an optimistic view of the early setback.
“One way of looking at it is we’d rather get it out of the way early,” Charlton said. “It’s his first-up run and it’s a run that is going to get him to his next couple of runs so it’s not the end of the world by any means. He’s got good improvement from Saturday.”
While the Tramway Stakes is a stepping stone, Linebacker’s major targets lie deeper into the spring. The Randwick Guineas winner is being prepared for the Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) in October, with connections eager to make amends for his luckless eighth in the Doncaster Mile (1600m) at the same course last autumn.
The Epsom is expected to determine whether the gelding freshens up for the Golden Eagle (1500m)—the stable’s preferred option—or steps up in trip with the Cox Plate (2040m) in mind. “It’s an option. You could make a good case for him potentially getting to 2000 metres and he is shaping that way,” Charlton said. “All roads lead to the Epsom but we could consider going up in trip if needed, if the 1500 was looking a bit sharp for the Golden Eagle.”
Linebacker has a strong first-up record and will be asked to go forward despite the outside gate, with stewards advised of the stable’s positive riding intentions.
Meanwhile, attention at Randwick will also turn to the Group 3 Concorde Stakes (1000m) where Brad Widdup’s talented sprinter Jedibeel will line up against Group 1 winners Jimmysstar, Mornington Glory and Lady Shenandoah. Jedibeel, who was scratched from the Moir Stakes in Melbourne, claimed the Challenge Stakes over the same Randwick course and distance first-up last season.
“He’s at the pointy end now. There is no hiding and ducking and weaving with him,” Widdup said. “I’ve got to see how he competes and go from there. He’s not one of those horses you can put in a race and be overconfident with but if he gets the right sort of run he can be very dynamic. He’s a good first-up horse and he is in pretty good order.”
Owned by Mulberry Racing, Jedibeel is also in line to represent his owners in this year’s Everest after they secured a coveted slot for the $20 million sprint.
Punters can follow both Linebacker in the Tramway Stakes and Jedibeel in the Concorde Stakes with odds available through leading betting sites.
