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Talented sprinter Nowhiteflag has been freshened for the final run of a busy autumn and winter campaign in Saturday’s $100,000 Jolly Beggar Stakes (1000m) at Belmont Park.
The full brother to former star sprinter Fabergino drops back to the short-course distance after running third to Ginger Flyer in the Jockey Celebration Day Stakes (1400m) last start.
Immaturity held Nowhiteflag back in previous campaigns but the Todd Harvey-trained grey will line up for his eighth start since resuming in May.
He has won three Belmont races this campaign, including two at the Jolly Beggar trip. “He’s really maturing as a horse,” Harvey said.
“In his last two preps we’ve only managed to get four runs out of him and the last one has been poor.
“This race looks like a good option for him and he’ll be a month between runs, so we’ll have him nice and fresh.”
Shaun McGruddy has been booked to ride Nowhiteflag on Saturday.
Brad Parnham will ride Grandstand Cup (1500m) winner Son Of A God in his first start for new trainer Michael Grantham. Clint Johnston-Porter will again ride stablemate Comes A Time.
Harvey said Nowhiteflag will dodge The Pinnacles carnival at Ascot.
“He’ll have a month or six weeks off after Saturday and come back for the Summer Scorcher and that series of Listed races,” Harvey said.
“Next season I think he’ll a carnival horse.
“I think there’s a lot more to come from him and he’ll be even better in another six months.”
Harvey is also excited about the return of smart sprinter Metallon, who has won four of his six starts.
“He’s come back a lot stronger,” Harvey said.
“He’ll run first-up at the second meeting back at Ascot in October.”
Meanwhile, apprentice Austin Galati suffered a compound fracture of a tibia after a trackwork fall at Ascot on Tuesday.
The 22-year-old underwent surgery on Tuesday night and faces a lengthy stint on the sidelines.
It’s a cruel blow for Galati, who was chasing riding opportunities in town after showing top form on country tracks in recent months.
He rode four winners at Carnarvon last Sunday.
In-form gallopers Sluice Box and Savage One are among entries for Sunday’s $100,000 Coolgardie Cup (1760m) at Kalgoorlie. Tellem We’re Comin heads the cup weights with 60kg.
