By Ray Hickson
Trainer Nathan Doyle would be more than happy if Silvanito could become the stable’s next Dalaalaat and work his way beyond Midway grade and onto better things in the next 12 months.
The former Godolphin galloper has already returned the $75,000 Australian Bloodstock shelled out for him with three seconds from five starts for Doyle and according to the trainer has his hoof right on the till heading into the Midway Handicap (1300m) at Rosehill on Saturday.
Silvanito, $3.40 with TAB on Thursday, is rising five and three years younger than Dalaalaat who has won five races for Doyle including three Midways and has worked his way through to Listed level finishing close up in Wednesday’s Ramornie Handicap.
“Luke Murrell loved him and thought he could do the job for them, he hasn’t won a race yet but they are already out on purchase price,’’ Doyle said.
“I don’t think he’s just a benchmark 72 grade horse, I think he can keep improving and there’s a bit of upside to come.
“You know when they come from Godolphin they are well looked after and come to you sound horses and the change of environment can spark them up.”
Doyle has secured champion jockey James McDonald for the Midway and it’ll be the first time he’s ridden Silvanito in a race but did partner the gelding in a trial under the Godolphin banner.
At his stable debut he was beaten by smart Godolphin filly Commemorative and he comes through one of the strongest form races of the season having finished fourth behind Elson Boy at the Scone carnival.
He drops to Midway company after seconds behind Captain Furai and Elouyou in his past two starts with midweek winner Little Cointreau third in both events.
“He deserves to win a race, he’s been so honest. He’s had a few luckless runs there and a few things against him,’’ Doyle said.
“He’s drawn a good marble, he’s carried the weight before running second in an open 72 with 59.5kg.
“He galloped super here on Tuesday so all the stars align with him. He gets through the wet tracks but I think he’s better on softer ground rather those heavy tracks.”
In that latest second placing, Silvanito clocked the second fastest last 600m of 35.19 (Punter’s Intelligence) though the significant section was the 400m-200m where he ran easily the fastest split of 11.35.
It was just before that point Doyle feels the race got away from Silvanito but he said it was the performance of a coming winner.
“We were three deep with cover but following a horse that was gone 700m out and came back on our face,’’ he said.
“He had to check off heels four and five deep on the corner while the winner was scooting up front getting a nice cart into the race and the race was over on the bend.
“He had to make up too much ground, especially on testing tracks, but there was still plenty of merit in the run. It feels like he’s got better through the preparation.”
Silvanito runs second at Rosehill on June 29
In an ideal world Doyle said McDonald will be able to put Silvanito into a stalking position and not conceding as much start as he did three weeks ago.
“I think he can possie up fifth or sixth just smoking, especially with the weight you don’t sprint as quick but if he can be a bit closer I the run it makes a lot of difference,’’ he said.
“He should be able to get the ideal run in transit, James will give him every possible and it looks his right race.”
All the fields, form and replays for Saturday's Rosehill meeting