James Cummings and the Godolphin team are excited to test a more mature Pisces over 1600m once again at Caulfield.
Gelded at the end of his two-year-old season, Pisces has delivered impressive performances this campaign, securing placings in both his starts, including a victory in the Group 3 Blue Sapphire Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on November 16.
This Saturday, he will tackle the Group 2 Sandown Guineas over 1600m at Caulfield.
As a two-year-old, Pisces was ridden by Blake Shinn in races over 1400m and 1600m at Flemington, where he finished second and fourth, respectively.
Shinn had recommended stepping Pisces up to 1600m after his 1400m effort, but the horse’s performance over the longer distance left questions about whether the trip or an extended preparation was to blame.
Now, the Godolphin team is eager to give him another chance at the distance.
“We did question the 1400 (metres) last time in when Blake Shinn rode him at Flemington, saying he feels like he could probably go beyond,” said Godolphin assistant trainer Nacim Dilmi.
“So, we gave it a try, but he was coming off a big prep. When Blake came back, he said it was either the distance or the extended prep.
We gave him a nice break, and his run in the Red Anchor was good. His run here two weeks ago was very good, and we have no doubt that over the 1600 this time, he’ll be competitive.”
Dilmi highlighted that Pisces remains fresh after his two starts this campaign. He also emphasized the positive impact of the gelding procedure, which has improved Pisces’ behavior and made him more manageable.
“His demeanor and attitude are much better. Last time, he was a bit of a thinker,” Dilmi said.
“He was doing a lot wrong at home and in his races. Comparing his last prep to this one, he’s like a different horse. Now, he has more of the will to be a racehorse.”
The team had considered sending Pisces to Perth for last week’s Group 2 W.A. Guineas (1600m), but they opted to keep him in Melbourne instead.
Pisces traveled from Flemington to Caulfield for a gallop on Tuesday morning in preparation for Saturday’s race.
“We came here this morning to do a nice tick-over gallop, and from what I saw, we’re very happy with him,” Dilmi said.
