Karacatis earns third shot at G1 Goodwood

Trainer Richard Jolly is hoping for third time lucky with sprinter Karacatis in Adelaide’s premier sprint, the Group One Goodwood at Morphettville.

The eight-year-old contests the $1 million race at Morphettville on Saturday coming off a last-start win in the D C McKay Stakes on May 6.

Karacatis first contested the Goodwood in 2013, finishing fourth, beaten a length behind Platelet before returning the following year when sixth to Smokin’ Joey.

Victory at his most recent start gave Karacatis an exemption from a Goodwood ballot.

Jolly said Karacatis had lost his way last season and he and owner Neville Morgan contemplated his retirement.

But a longer than normal spell and spacing the his runs seems to have renewed the gelding’s enthusiasm for racing.

“I know he’s going a fortnight into the Goodwood but his races previously have been well spaced, a month apart,” Jolly said.

“After he has a run he goes to the paddock for a week and when he comes back he has one gallop a week before he runs.

“At this age he’s doing well using this method.”

After finishing in the top four in three previous D C McKay outings, Karacatis was specifically aimed at this year’s race.

Jolly said to win the Group Three race at his fourth attempt was a great result and convinced him he was worthy of taking his place on Saturday.

But the barrier draw on Tuesday wasn’t kind to Karacatis or stablemate Karlovasi who came up with 18 and 19 respectively in the 20-horse field plus three emergencies.

Jolly said Karlovasi would also be an acceptor for the Listed Straight Six (1200m) at Flemington and was the trainer’s preferred option.

“We would have been happy to run (at Morphettville) if he’d drawn a nice gate but from out there he’s going to struggle to get any sort of decent run,” Jolly said.

“We’ll accept for Flemington, have a look at the race and make up our mind.”