South-west runners fit for big spring
TRAINERS are more likely to criticise the handicapper for giving runners too much weight but not Warrnambool's Symon Wilde.
Wilde, who trains in partnership with his father Bill, yesterday revealed he had wanted the handicapper to be harsher when allocating weights for Warrnambool Cup winner Hissing Sid in the major spring races.
Hissing Sid, which is being set for next month's Caulfield Cup, was given 51 kilograms for the race. Stablemate Baughurst, which missed a start in last year's race by one place, received 52.5kg.
``I would have liked to see Sid with a little bit more so he gets in, especially the Caulfield Cup,'' he said.
``He has got to be winning a good race (in the lead-up) for two reasons, to get a run in the cup and warrant being there. If he can't win a handy race on the way... there are plenty of races.''
Wilde said Baughurst, which won a group three race on Caulfield Cup day last year, was better placed to get a run in the race with his 52.5kg.
``I don't think 51 gets in but Baughurst would be a real chance. He would probably want to be penalised too.''
Hissing Sid was given 51kg for the Melbourne Cup.
``Probably third, fourth, fifth runs in we expect him to do something. If he did next start I would be delighted but when he gets to 2000m and beyond that is when I would expect to see the best of him. That will be crunch time.''
He said Hissing Sid's campaign had been focused on the Caulfield Cup.
``If he could get into the Caulfield Cup that would be a major achievement in itself.''
Wilde's Arch Symbol received 59kg for the weight-for-age Cox Plate, a race the sprinter is not expected to run in.
Yangery trainer Jarrod McLean has three spring carnival hopefuls.
Former Perth Cup winner Cats Fun received 51kg in both the Caulfield and Melbourne cups while stablemate Kibbutz was given 52kg. Cats Fun, Kibbutz and The Fonz were all given 59kg for the Cox Plate.
The Anne McGrath-trained Tears I Cry, a former Emirates Stakes winner, received 59kg for the Cox Plate.
