South Australian trainer Gordon Richards is optimistic with the way Saturday’s 2020 Concorde Stakes (1000m) may unfold for his star sprinter Gytrash, up against overwhelming favourite and fellow The Everest slot holder Nature Strip.
Gytrash has earned the reputation of being a ‘giant killer’ following his win at a starting price of $21 against Nature Strip who started $1.45 in the Group 1 Lightning stakes earlier this year.
Watch: Gytrash take out the Group 1 Lightning Stakes against Nature Strip.
Gytrash ???
Nature Strip has a shocker. pic.twitter.com/CywArzTVJG
— 7HorseRacing ? (@7horseracing) February 15, 2020
Joe Pride, Ball Of Muscle’s trainer, has publicly commented that they will be riding with intent and contesting Nature Strip for the lead. With the potential for plenty of early speed in the race, Richards is excited and believes it will suit Gytrash.
“I couldn’t be happier. It’s going to map well for us,’’ he said.
“His biggest problem in the Goodwood was there wasn’t enough pace on up front to get him off the bit and chasing.
“He’ll get that opportunity on Saturday, he’ll be doing some chasing because those two will run along.
“He’s going to be better off over longer, even though he’s won a few races over 1000m, where you’ve got pace on and there’s going to be no shortage of that.’’
Gytrash certainly has the numbers on the board for Saturday, with 6 wins from 7 at the 1000m, and 3 wins and 2 places from 5 first up outings.
However, punters won’t have the luxury of a $21 price this time around, with Gytrash currently at $3.80 in the market, behind Nature Strip at $1.45.
Richards is relishing the underdog status, “everyone likes to be the underdog but we’ve got his scalp once, who knows lightning might strike twice,’’ he said.
Gytrash will head to either the Group 2 The Shorts (1100m), or the Group 2 Premiere Stakes (1200m) before his grand final in The Everest (1200m) where he is an $11 chance.
