Bott can’t split Champion contenders

[Wandering Eyes]

Tulloch Lodge stablemates Raf Attack (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) and Ganbare (Maurice) have had a reversal of fortunes in the Spring Champion Stakes barrier draw and Adrian Bott expects it to better suit the racing styles of both colts.

Raf Attack ran his rivals ragged when leading throughout from a low draw in the Gloaming Stakes (1800m) last start while Ganbare, an impressive winner of the Dulcify Quality (1600m) at his previous appearance, had a torrid run from a wide gate to finish midfield.

The latter has barrier four in Saturday’s Gr.1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) while Raf Attack will jump from 11, Bott viewing their respective draws as ideal.

“It probably suits them both better in fairness,” Bott said.

“Raf Attack has got natural tactical speed and is that go-forward type of horse, so he will be able to roll forward from that outside draw which is what he likes to do.

“The softer draw helps Ganbare’s chances as well.

“He was caught wide throughout last start and that made it difficult for him, but I thought he stuck on well considering. Go back the start before and it was a very strong win over the mile.”

Both Raf Attack and Ganbare are bred to run at least a middle distance.

Raf Attack is by Satono Aladdin, the sire of dual Oaks winner Pennyweka (NZ), while Ganbare is a son of Maurice and his maternal grand-dam Bianca won a Newcastle Cup and finished runner-up in a Metropolitan.

Bott has yet to win a Spring Champion, Hampton Court in 2014 being the last victor for Tulloch Lodge when Gai Waterhouse was training solo.

However, he believes this year is the stable’s best chance since he joined the yard during the 2016-17 season.

“Hampton Court was the last one, we ran second with Never Been Kissed backing up from the Flight Stakes (in 2021),” Bott said.

“But these are the two that have had the long-range plan for this and have been that profile all the way through.

“They’re tough to split. We’re in a nice position with two really good chances.”

Bott confirmed both Raf Attack and Ganbare could back up in the Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington seven days later if they performed well on Saturday.

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