Runaway primed for black-type debut

Adrian Bott has no concerns about talented colt Runaway taking a backward step before stretching out to his optimum distance.

Bott and his Hall of Fame training partner Gai Waterhouse will bring the last-start maiden winner back in trip when he makes his black-type debut at Rosehill on Saturday.

Runaway claimed his maiden over 1550 metres at Canterbury on August 9 and will run over 1400m in the Group Three Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m).

“Dropping back from the mile probably isn’t ideal at this stage of his campaign, but he’s well placed to tackle this race,” Bott said.

“This isn’t his main target but it’s a nice option for him going through on the way to a race like the Spring Champion Stakes.

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Bott said Runaway was nominated for the Ming Dynasty on the back of his exploits at Canterbury, where he scored by 2-1/4 lengths, and subsequent track work.

“The last start was the first time he’s put it all together. He was very professional,” Bott said.

“He then went to Canterbury during the week and had a really nice gallop. We needed to see that sharpness from him to give us the confidence coming back to 1400, and stepping up in grade.”

Bott and Waterhouse also nominated Gold Standard for the Ming Dynasty but decided to rest him this weekend.

Gold Standard ran second to Dracarys in the Group Three Up And Coming Stakes (1300m) last Saturday, 10 days after his maiden victory, and Bott said a seven-day turnaround would be unfair.

“That was going to be a bit much for him. He’s a very nice colt going forward so we’ll take a patient approach and try and get him to the Golden Rose (September 23),” he said.