PROMISING WHITTAKER SPELLING FOR THREE WEEKS
Whittaker, a bold runner-up to Pacing Major in the Australasian Breeders Crown 2YO Heat at Addington last week, has been turned out for three weeks.
Overport Lodge trainer Mark Jones would have raced him again this week in his final week as 2YO but there was no suitable race for him, despite two days of racing at Addington.
Some consideration was given to continuing with a Breeders Crown tilt next month, but Gold Coast owner Greg Brodie preferred the option of targeting Sires Stakes racing with him in the spring.
“I’m not a fan of travelling young horses,” he said.
“I’m very happy with the way he’s finished off in his two races and I’m very much looking forward to his three-year-old racing.”
Whittaker, purchased out of the Leonne Jones stable after impressing in a 2YO trial and workout, won his Addington debut in style from an inside second row draw over 1950m on July 15.
He confirmed his potential second-up in the Breeders Crown Heat behind one of this season’s top juveniles in Pacing Major.
Whittaker, a colt by Sportswriter, was pushed out three wide by Pacing Major at the 600m and eased to trail the All Stars runner around the home turn.
He outfinished the pacemaking On The Rantan to grab second, over the leaders last 800m in a sharp 55s and final 400m in 26.5s.