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Newgate Farm’s Henry Field said In The Congo is likely to target the feature Melbourne sprints this spring rather than be set for The Everest – unless Nature Strip shows he is vulnerable.
“We haven’t ruled out The Everest with In The Congo but at the moment we prefer to head towards the Manikato Stakes,’’ Field said. “He will resume in the McEwen Stakes and then probably go to the Moir Stakes.
“But if Nature Strip is beaten in a race like the Premiere Stakes or another of the Everest lead-up races, then we will be open to sending In The Congo back to Sydney.
“There’s been some slot-holders interested in selecting In The Congo for The Everest so it will all depend on In The Congo’s form and how Nature Strip goes in Sydney.’’
“We want to run In The Congo in races he can win,’’ Field said.“If Nature Strip is at his best, then it’s very hard to beat him.” commented Field who was at Royal Ascot to watch Nature Strip at his best in Group One King’s Stand Stakes in June.
Field spoke to News Corp from London on Monday about his next topliners, Artorius“ is in great order, he has thrived in England, and he will go into quarantine soon then return to Australia in mid-September,’’ Field said.
“He will have only one run in spring in either the Golden Eagle or the Darley Sprint Classic. We are leaning to the Golden Eagle but we will get the horse home first and then make up our minds.’’
Newgate also plans to defend the Irish star State Of Rest’sCox Plate title up in the air after a last-start flop in France.
“State Of Rest probably wasn’t suited going back to 1600m last start but his run even had Joseph (O’Brien, trainer) scratching his head,’’ Field said. “The horse is going to trot and canter along in his work for a couple of weeks and then Joseph will decide where he goes next with the horse but he’s still a possibility for the Cox Plate.’’