Supido favourite for G3 Monash Stakes

Classy sprinter Supido returns from a spell in the Sir John Monash Stakes chasing a first stakes victory, despite having been placed at both Group One and Group Two level.

The Mick Kent-trained sprinter was given a break after finishing down the track in the Group One Galaxy in Sydney in March on a heavy surface.

He was brought back into work to get ready for the late-season weight-for-age sprints of Saturday’s Group Three Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield and Bletchingly Stakes later this month before progressing into the new season.

Supido has won six of his 12 starts and been placed in the Group One Goodwood in Adelaide last year as well as finishing third to English and Redzel in the Group Two Challenge Stakes at weight-for-age during the Sydney autumn.

He has been installed $2.10 favourite for Saturday’s Monash ahead of former Perth-based Chocolate Holic ($4.60) who makes his first appearance for Victoria’s premier trainer Darren Weir.

Lord Of The Sky is set to make his return in the Monash for the fourth-straight year having won the event in 2014.

Connections were not able to secure a stud deal for Lord Of The Sky who is instead returning to the races after recovering from a tendon injury.

Kent says Supido is carrying a bit more condition than normal but believes he has done the necessary work for Saturday’s first-up assignment.

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“He was struggling on that heavy ground up there (in Sydney),” Kent said.

“We pulled the pin nice and early so he had a good break and had time to get ready for this.

“I’m happy with him. He seems good.

“Caulfield is the only metropolitan track in Melbourne he hasn’t won at. He’s had a couple of starts there, but anyway he’s good to go.”

Luke Nolen has the ride on Supido in the field of 10, and Kent said the plan was to progress to the Bletchingly Stakes and Aurie’s Star Handicap and then assess again from there.

“He’s a nice horse. There’s no doubting his ability,” Kent said.

“He’s a quick horse with a good turn of foot and usually races pretty well fresh.

“He’s carrying a bit more cover than normal, just getting older. But he’s done enough work, I think.”