Pride To Rely On News Alert At Canterbury

Tuesday, 22 November 2011 06:00

Stakeswinner News Alert has been confirmed to make his debut for Joe Pride on Saturday but stablemate Tiger Tees could be saved for another day.

After scanning the weights for Saturday's Welter (1100m) at Canterbury, Pride said the late nomination of Group One winner Atomic Force meant up-and-coming sprinter Tiger Tees could now bypass the race.

"I'm a little undecided after looking at the weights quickly this afternoon," Pride said.

On the other hand, Atomic Force's presence means News Alert has been given 59kg and will carry 3kg less with the claim of apprentice Adam Hyeronimus.

"It's a double-edged thing because it hasn't suited Tiger Tees but now News Alert is much better weighted than he might have been and he's a realistic chance," the trainer said.

Pride said he would still accept with Tiger Tees on Wednesday morning with Christian Reith booked to ride should he take his place.

Tiger Tees has won four from four this season with his most recent appearance a three-quarter length success at Rosehill on September 10.

He has been earmarked for a possible first attempt at stakes racing in the Listed Razor Sharp Handicap (1200m) next month.

News Alert joined Pride's team from the Rosehill trainer Con Karakatsanis.

"He's had three trials and has been here about three months," Pride said.

"I like him. He's a good quality horse, his record tells you that and he likes the sting out of the track. I've also looked through his record and he's a great weight carrier."

The seven-year-old gelding has won eight of his 33 starts including a Group Three Healy Stakes (1200m) and three Listed races.

He finished fourth in this year's Group One Galaxy won by Atomic Force.

The Darren Smith-trained Atomic Force won a trial at Rosehill on Tuesday and connections are sweating on an invite on Wednesday to compete in next month's Hong Kong Sprint.

Pride has Miss Keepsake and Tom's Rocket headed towards Saturday's Listed Frank Underwood Cup (1900m) but will monitor the weather before deciding if they start.