Trainers hoping J-Mac can get best out of classy Getafix
Getafix's record hasn't quite caught up with his potential just yet – but after a short recess, co-trainer Tom Charlton says the grey has his chance to show his best form at Kensington today.
It's been about seven weeks since Getafix finished midfield in the Hawkesbury Guineas and his absence has been a mix of a 'slightly off blood picture' shortly after that race and unfavourable barriers in intended races.
Charlton and co-trainer John O'Shea have a strong hand in the TAB Handicap (1300m) with Metaphorically also lining up, but it's Getafix who has had reasonably high expectations attached to him since an impressive debut Kensington track win last year.
'He's definitely got well above average potential, he's just not the most consistent horse looking at his racing record,' Charlton said. 'Whether he's still getting there in developing remains to be seen.'
The three-year-old has won twice from his 10 starts.
James McDonald has been called on to ride Getafix and the race represents a huge class drop on his last start at group 3 level, but he has to carry 61.5kg.
'He's a big horse, so weight doesn't worry us too much, especially since he's a horse with a good bit of class to him,' Charlton said.
'We like the draw, and he can definitely bounce back. He just wants a nice tempo, to be buried away and come with one crack at them late.'
Stablemate Metaphorically will be part of that speed picture as he has a natural on pace pattern and Charlton said his first-up third at Canterbury earlier this month was a nice start to his campaign.
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Sydney Morning Herald
7 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Trainers hoping J-Mac can get best out of classy Getafix
Getafix's record hasn't quite caught up with his potential just yet – but after a short recess, co-trainer Tom Charlton says the grey has his chance to show his best form at Kensington today. It's been about seven weeks since Getafix finished midfield in the Hawkesbury Guineas and his absence has been a mix of a 'slightly off blood picture' shortly after that race and unfavourable barriers in intended races. Charlton and co-trainer John O'Shea have a strong hand in the TAB Handicap (1300m) with Metaphorically also lining up, but it's Getafix who has had reasonably high expectations attached to him since an impressive debut Kensington track win last year. 'He's definitely got well above average potential, he's just not the most consistent horse looking at his racing record,' Charlton said. 'Whether he's still getting there in developing remains to be seen.' The three-year-old has won twice from his 10 starts. James McDonald has been called on to ride Getafix and the race represents a huge class drop on his last start at group 3 level, but he has to carry 61.5kg. 'He's a big horse, so weight doesn't worry us too much, especially since he's a horse with a good bit of class to him,' Charlton said. 'We like the draw, and he can definitely bounce back. He just wants a nice tempo, to be buried away and come with one crack at them late.' Stablemate Metaphorically will be part of that speed picture as he has a natural on pace pattern and Charlton said his first-up third at Canterbury earlier this month was a nice start to his campaign.
The Age
7 days ago
- The Age
Trainers hoping J-Mac can get best out of classy Getafix
Getafix's record hasn't quite caught up with his potential just yet – but after a short recess, co-trainer Tom Charlton says the grey has his chance to show his best form at Kensington today. It's been about seven weeks since Getafix finished midfield in the Hawkesbury Guineas and his absence has been a mix of a 'slightly off blood picture' shortly after that race and unfavourable barriers in intended races. Charlton and co-trainer John O'Shea have a strong hand in the TAB Handicap (1300m) with Metaphorically also lining up, but it's Getafix who has had reasonably high expectations attached to him since an impressive debut Kensington track win last year. 'He's definitely got well above average potential, he's just not the most consistent horse looking at his racing record,' Charlton said. 'Whether he's still getting there in developing remains to be seen.' The three-year-old has won twice from his 10 starts. James McDonald has been called on to ride Getafix and the race represents a huge class drop on his last start at group 3 level, but he has to carry 61.5kg. 'He's a big horse, so weight doesn't worry us too much, especially since he's a horse with a good bit of class to him,' Charlton said. 'We like the draw, and he can definitely bounce back. He just wants a nice tempo, to be buried away and come with one crack at them late.' Stablemate Metaphorically will be part of that speed picture as he has a natural on pace pattern and Charlton said his first-up third at Canterbury earlier this month was a nice start to his campaign.
Sydney Morning Herald
10-06-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
Baker confident O'Invincible can rise to the top
It's not clear yet where the bar is with unbeaten filly O'Invincible, but her first-up task at Kensington today is a lot lower than trainer Bjorn Baker had initially planned. The three-year-old was being set for the Scone carnival but Baker's racing manager Luke Hilton said a minor issue following her first trial in early April meant those plans had to be changed. After a quick reset, she showed her readiness to return in the Broadsiding @ Darley Handicap (1000m) with a trial win two weeks ago. 'We did pencil in a stakes race at Scone for her, but she had a setback and we had to cool our jets with her,' Hilton said. 'She just needed a bit of time. Bjorn's been patient with her, and she's back in good order now and trialled well leading into this. This is a nice kick-off point for her and hopefully she can reach the levels we think she can.' O'Invincible won on debut at Hawkesbury in early December and scored her second win in the stewards room at Wyong just before Christmas. Hilton said the stable has always had a good opinion of the daughter of Viddora, a two-time Group 1 winner who also contested the 2018 TAB Everest, and is confident she'll give herself every chance. 'We've been really pleased with her, her work on Saturday was great and the trails have been very good,' he said. 'She's got good tactical speed and can put herself on speed, she's not a very big filly so carrying the weight is probably the biggest challenge for her.' Stardeel is something of a work in progress for the Baker team and Hilton said if he's able to win the TAB Handicap (1150m) first-up it'll be a bonus.
