THE presence of Perth raider Cosmic Crusader in the G3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) has added an extra layer of intrigue to the race as he’s making his Eastern States debut.
The Bob Peters owned galloper was sent to Andrea Leek at Pakenham to train after he finished second at his last start in the Gold Rush to the smart Victorian sprinter Rey Magnerio.
Cosmic Crusader has had 18 starts in Perth and has won seven races including the G1 Northerly Stakes over 1800m at Ascot last December.
He has also won three of five first-up. His second placing to Rey Magnerio was also first-up.
Cosmic Crusader has had three starts on soft tracks and has won them all.
Peters was pleased with Cosmic Crusader’s recent second placing in a jump-out to Pop Award and suggested to Leek rather than trial him again he should run in the Bletchingly Stakes.
Peters said he preferred Cosmic Crusader to have drawn out further than barrier one which he will start from as his racing style was to get to the outside and run on.
Peters wants Cosmic Crusader to contest the Memsie Stakes next month at Caulfield and then he will decide what his spring goals will be.
Leek said Cosmic Crusader had settled in well at their farm at Pakenham which she shares with her husband, fellow trainer John Leek Junior.
Nick Ryan’s Winnasedge will be out to make it a hat-trick of wins at Caulfield and only the fourth sprinter to win the Sir John Monash Stakes and Bletchingly Stakes double in the race’s 31 year history.
Unibet has Cosmic Crusader as $3.50 favourite in front of Winnasedge at $4 and the Grahame Begg trained Miraval Rose at $5.50.
FREE FORM GUIDE: View our tips or find your own winners via our form guide here
