Classy Melbourne sprinter First Command is geared to test boom sprinter Rain Affair in the $100,000 Carrington Stakes at Warwick Farm on Monday.
Photo by Racing and Sports
First Command's Victorian trainer Anthony Freedman has been tempted to tackle the 1100m Listed race despite Rain Affair's impressive record and fast growing reputation.
Rain Affair has suffered defeat only once in eight starts and is primed to add to his record after two recent impressive barrier trials.
Trainer Joe Pride spelled Rain Affair after the four-year-old made the successful graduation to Group company with a win in the G3 Missile Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill in August and has him well prepared to take up where he left off after his recent trials at Warwick Farm and Randwick.
After finishing second in an 800m trial at Warwick Farm on December 15 Rain Affair was taken to Randwick last Friday where he scored by 4.5 lengths over 822m, running the fastest time of the six heats over that distance.
The six-year-old First Command will provide stern opposition for Rain Affair as he has long been regarded as one of Victoria's best short course sprinters, especially when fresh.
The winner of nine of his 22 starts with six minor placings, First Command was rested in October after a short spring campaign of three starts that yielded a second at Caulfield and unplaced performances at Moonee Valley and Flemington.
A three time winner when first-up, First Command will be making his first appearance in Sydney but is no stranger to travel as he has previously raced in Brisbane and New Zealand for placings in the Lightning Handicap at Eagle Farm and G1 second to crack Kiwi star Mufhasa in the Telegraph Handicap at Trentham.
There are 11 entries for the Carrington Stakes with other nominations including the 2011winner Jest Crewsin', Keen Commander, Stratford, Top Drop and Eight Bills.
