Racing
Elamaz to strip fitter for Hill Stakes tilt
Import Elamaz will bid to take his record to two wins from three Australian starts at Rosehill.
Adrian Bott's fears that Elamaz would be vulnerable first-up were borne out but he expected the French import to strip much fitter for his upcoming appearance in the Hill Stakes.
A courageous winner of the McKell Cup (2000m) at his Australian debut in the winter, Bott had warned that the gelding would improve off whatever he showed on resumption in the Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) last month.
Elamaz raced midfield and began to chime into the race at the top of the straight before tiring to finish fifth to Birdman, an effort that pleased his co-trainer given the genuine tempo set by runaway leader Full Count Felicia, who ensured the 2000m race was a strong test.
"I thought he was going to be vulnerable whichever way the race panned out," Bott said.
"It was highlighted more by the way it was run. He loomed into it like he was going to run a nice race and just peaked.
"Back in trip slightly should benefit him and he'll strip fitter for the run."
Elamaz is being kept safe in early markets as a $7.50 chance for Saturday's Group 2 Hill Stakes (1900m) at Rosehill.
The feature has attracted a handy field headed by in-form gelding Lindermann, along with Australian Cup winner Light Infantry Man, Fawkner Park, Kovalica and defending titleholder Attrition.
Tim Clark has the ride and while Bott says the stable has no grand plans for Elamaz this spring, they are hoping he can play a leading role in the upcoming middle-distance races in Sydney.
"He will stay around for a couple of those races like the Craven Plate," Bott said.
Elamaz will form part of a strong book of seven rides for Clark, who also partners talented colt Beadman for Peter Snowden in the Group 2 Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) and consistent sprinter General Salute for Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou in the Alan Brown Stakes (1400m).
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