TRAINER Ashley Maley of Gingin says he is under no illusions about Bad Wolf winning the Drummond Golf-Northerly Stakes (1800m) at Ascot on Saturday, December 3.
He is just thrilled to be in the Group 1 $1.5 million race.
Bad Wolf, who has 10 wins for more than $552,000 in prizemoney, has never won at that distance.
But the son of So You Think and Surpassing has run some seconds at 1800m, including the Luckygray Stakes (1800m) on November 12 where he was beaten by three quarters of a length.
He was also second in the Listed Ascot Gold Cup (1800m) in November 2021 behind Midnight Blue.
The eight-year-old gelding has drawn barrier two in tomorrow’s race.
“It’s a good barrier for that horse…because he’ll go forward,’’ Maley said.
The strong field, which has been reduced to 15 after the scratching of Last Of The Line, includes Cascadian, Amelia’s Jewel, Treasured Star, Bustler, Trix Of The Trade, Steinem and Alaskan God.
Bad Wolf, who will be ridden by jockey Shaun McGruddy, will carry 59kg as will seven of the other runners while three-year-old Amelia’s Jewel at 50kg will carry 9kg less.
“There are a lot of horses in there with a great turn of foot but at that weight Amelia’s Jewel will be very hard to beat.’’
Maley said Bad Wolf was nominated for the Perth Cup (2400m) on Sunday, January 1.
“Probably the Perth Cup will be his grand final.’’
