Feature targets no longer an option?

PLENTY of options are programmed but whether they will be available is another story!

Speaking after Focus Stride’s Bathurst Gold Chalice triumph earlier tonight, trainer David Miles stated he – like the rest of the nation – can make as many plans as he wants but ultimately the final decision is out of his hands.

Causing an upset in the $100,000 feature, the three-year-old is eligible for the New South Wales Breeders’ Challenge and Vicbred Super Series.

The former is scheduled to be conducted in June, with the latter set down for July.

Given the Coronavirus epidemic which has gripped Australia there is a chance the futurities will be postponed meaning they no longer fit into Miles’ plans.

“At this stage I’m not sure what will be next for him,” Miles said. “The first thing is to get him home and give him a freshen-up.

“Hopefully we will still be racing and won’t be restricted with travel by the time the various Sires’ races come around and he can have a look at either or both.

“Like everyone, I’m just playing by ear to a large degree.”

Driven by Miles during his latest victory, Focus Stride settled towards the tail of the field from barrier four as Real Stride was surged forward to lead from the pole.

Sent forward to occupy the ‘death seat’ during the middle stages, the son of Art Major showed a tremendous amount of intestinal fortitude to complete a metre-and-a-half win from Real Stride, with Fire And Sword six-and-a-half metres away.

Stretching his winning sequence to six, Focus Stride rated 1:55.6 for the 2260-metre trip to provide owners Emilio and Mary Rosati with a Group One quinella.

“He made his way into two Group Ones last year and did things wrong in both,” Miles said. “This time in he has matured into a real racehorse and is still getting better.

“He’s done it tough tonight and I couldn’t be happier with the way he went.”