Giadresco stakes confidence in charge

Peter Giadresco has won a host of major races but there is one that is missing from his training resume that he is desperate to claim.

“The Bunbury Stakes is a race that I have been striving to win, ” said Giadresco.

“As Bunbury’s leading trainer for 12 of the past 13 years, it’s a race that has eluded me.

“To take it out on my home track would be particularly special.

“I genuinely think I have two strong chances on the weekend.”

Giadresco is optimistic Pinjarra Classic champion Watermans Bay can overcome two major hurdles in Sunday’s $100,000 APH Contractors Bunbury Stakes (1400m).

The Eternity Range gelding, who has earned half-a-million dollars in stake earnings, carries 59kg for jockey Troy Turner and has yet to win beyond 1300m.

“He has never won with that weight and I admit that is a concern, ” said Giadresco.

“What’s in his favour and instils me with confidence is that he is at his peak.

“He will enter the race as one of the form runners.

“The 1400m is still a query but the way he finished the race off in Pinjarra, it shouldn’t be a problem.”

Watermans Bay and Wild Charger will launch a two-pronged attack for the Giadresco stable.

Wild Charger, on the 54kg minimum, has claims after flashing runs at his past two outings.

The Trade Fair gelding ran a luckless third to Ye Olde over 1400m at Ascot on February 22.

“He was held up for clear running and couldn’t get a crack at them until late, ” said Giadresco.

“These types of races can often throw up a lightweight chance and that’s why he is in the race.

“He is in with definite claims and the addition of Ben Paterson is an important riding engagement.”

Giadresco rates Amorino, runner-up to Watermans Bay in the Pinjarra Classic, as the hardest to beat.

Amorino, one of two entries for in-form trainer Grant Williams, gains a 2 and a half kg weight swing on Watermans Bay.

David Harrison was dealt a blow when Red Hot Sax copped another horror draw (18), but says the Saxon mare will improve on her first-up performance.

Red Hot Sax worked across from the widest gate in the Pinjarra Classic before her fitness took hold and she faded to a creditable third.

“I thought it was a huge run to still be in front with 30 metres to go and it was only that her condition gave out, ” said Harrison.