Pornichet Stakes A Doncaster Mile Claim
- Saturday, 28 March 2015 07:57
While Gai Waterhouse is non-committal about a Doncaster Mile start for Excess Knowledge, she is adamant Pornichet will run - and win.
After a high attrition rate, Saturday's Group Three Neville Sellwood Stakes winner will make the 20-horse field safely and has firmed to $15 with the TAB.
With Blake Shinn aboard, French import Pornichet, the $3.60 favourite, made light work of the 2000m of Saturday's Group Three race, beating Our Voodoo Prince ($15) by 1-3/4 lengths.
"He is very exciting and he will definitely run in the Doncaster," Waterhouse said.
"I've won seven Doncasters and going back from 2000 metres to 1600 is the right formula for the Doncaster.
"And he gets in with a light weight (51kg)."
One of Pornichet's owners, Nick Vass, celebrated a Group One win with Sweet Idea in last week's Galaxy and is looking forward to his first Doncaster runner.
"In 33 years of racing horses I've never had a Doncaster runner," he said.
"And Pornichet is the first international horse I've bought into.
"I said `no' but Gai persuaded me and I'm pleased she did."
Hallowed Crown and Japanese import Real Impact remain the $6 equal favourites for the $3 million Doncaster Mile.
