Ikaros the Good Oil for Adelaide Feature
- Thursday, 12 December 2002 00:00
Talented galloper Ikaros may prove himself a genuine Christmas Handicap contender by winning Saturday's $40,000 The Ule Oil Stakes (1306m) at Cheltenham Park.
The striking chestnut, prepared by Bill Papazaharoudakis at Kangarilla, south of Adelaide, returns to his favourite track this weekend after two moderate efforts in Melbourne during the spring carnival.
Ikaros had two runs - one at Flemington and one at Caulfield - finishing fifth at each behind Roman Arch and Super Impressive respectively. But the five-year-old hadn't traveled as well as planned, according to Papazaharoudakis, and was happy to be home.
"He was glowing when he left but just didn't settle in that well," Papazaharoudakis said.
"He has his own yard at home but was boxed when in Victoria, and just didn't seem to appreciate it. He raced fairly but he's a better horse than that. He's really picked up since coming home though and I'm hoping he can get back to his best form on Saturday."
Ikaros has had six starts at Cheltenham Park for three wins and three placings - his lastest run there was when runner-up to Court Of Jewels in the Listed Vanellus Stakes at his final run last campaign.
"That was over the Christmas Handicap trip and he ran quite well," Papazaharoudakis said.
"He was at the end of his campaign and things really didn't go his way, so I'm not worried about him running out the 1450m. As long as there's a bit of pace on, he'll go okay.
"But a run in the Christmas Handicap will hinge on his run this weekend. If he runs well and continues to thrive over the next couple of weeks, he may go that way, if not, he'll go straight out to the paddock."
Shayne Cahill, who now bases himself in Melbourne and rode Ikaros in both starts there, will return to Adelaide for the ride this weekend. He has partnered the five-year-old in the majority of his wins.
Meanwhile, the Listed Winning Margin Stakes will provide stayers with their final lead-up run to the Group 3 Port Adelaide Cup (2400m) at Cheltenham Park on Boxing Day.
The field is a very even line-up and includes stakewinners Oxford Dollar, Agincourt Express, Frenzel Rhomb and Newtown Jet, a couple of Victorian's Blue Ted and Belgrade, along with a number of improving stayers.
PIC - Jenny
Barnes.
Media Release - Jason Hickson (TRSA)