Brisbane trainer Liam Birchley will rely on the weather and positive results in two Group Two races at Warwick Farm on Saturday to determine how much of an impact his team will have on the Sydney autumn carnival.
Photo by Racing and Sports
Birchley will start the talented filly Emmalene and older stablemate Paprika at Warwick Farm.
They are the only two horses in his successful Brisbane stable he rates as Sydney autumn prospects at this point but more wet weather could easily change his thinking.
"There's nothing at home rearing its head to bring down," Birchley said.
However, his Gimcrack Stakes placegetter Snipzu would come into contention for a longshot bid at the Golden Slipper if Sydney's autumn carnival tracks are rain-affected.
"If it is wet I might look at trying to get her there for the Slipper," he said.
"We have left her in the race in case so I'll be keeping an eye on things over the next few weeks."
Snipzu ran second to Hussousa in the Gimcrack before scoring a seven-length win on a heavy track at her next start in Brisbane.
On more immediate matters, Birchley will saddle up Emmalene in the Light Fingers Stakes and Paprika in the Breeders Classic at Warwick Farm.
Part-owned by former Canberra Raiders teammates Laurie Daley and Ricky Stuart as well as rugby league commentator Darryl Brohman, Emmalene goes into the Light Fingers as one of Saturday's best-supported runners.
TAB Sportsbet has reported $23 to $11 backing for the filly who has won three of her five starts.
"She is a developing type of filly who is getting better with each preparation," Birchley said.
Emmalene announced her arrival on the national racing stage with a Listed race win at Flemington during last year's Melbourne Cup carnival.
She has been primed for the Light Fingers with a luckless return to racing at Doomben earlier this month.
"I'm really happy with both horses, although they've drawn terribly," Birchley said.
"But both are going super and there's no reason why they can't both run big races."
Of the pair, Emmalene is considered more likely for a return visit for more carnival riches.
"As long as she competes we may come back for the Surround Stakes at 1400 metres," Birchley said.
"She has won over 1200 metres at Flemington and if you can run a strong six (furlongs) there it generally means you can get 1400 metres."
