Royal Rapture could give Weir 3rd Toorak

Darren Weir has been forced to scrap Toorak Handicap plans for Tosen Stardom and will rely on Royal Rapture to continue the stable’s recent dominance in the Group One race.

Weir has won the past two Toorak Handicaps with Trust In A Gust in 2014 and Lucky Hussler last year.

Tosen Stardom cut his leg on a float trip to Sydney before the George Main Stakes last month which forced his withdrawal.

“We stitched it up and everything had been going well but last night it just became a bit infected and he’s just too good a horse to risk,” Weir said.

Weir said Tosen Stardom would be treated with antibiotics and would now be aimed at the Group One Longines Mile (1600m) at Flemington on October 29.

“He just wasn’t quite right and there’s no use running if he’s not quite right,” Weir said.

“There are other races.”

Seven-year-old gelding Royal Rapture faces his biggest test in Saturday’s Toorak (1600m) having strung together five straight wins since late July, with his last four victories in open handicaps.

Weir said Royal Rapture was in great shape and deserved his chance in the Toorak.

“He’s going great,” he said.

“Whether he’s up to these horses, I’m not sure. But it’s worth giving him a crack at it.”

Royal Rapture, who started his career in Tasmania, is at $8.50 with He’s Our Rokkii the $3.10 favourite ahead of Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes winner Bon Aurum at $5.50.

Weir has multiple Group One winner Black Heart Bart going up against Winx and He Or She in Saturday’s Caulfield Stakes.

The trainer is preparing to start Melbourne Cup winner Prince Of Penzance in Saturday’s Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) but has also entered him for the Cranbourne Cup the following day.

“At this stage he’ll run at Caulfield,” Weir said on Friday afternoon.

Weir doesn’t want a track too firm for Prince Of Penzance.

“Darren Murphy walked the track this afternoon and didn’t have a problem and he’s going to have another look at it in the morning,” Weir said.