Centre Pivot has pleased John Sargent since his first-up run a fortnight ago and the Randwick-based horseman is confident the five-year-old is primed for a strong performance in Saturday’s 2015 Festival Stakes (1500m).
Centre Pivot is primed for success in the 2015 Festival Stakes. Photo: Steve Hart
Centre Pivot clearly needed the run when resuming in August for seventh in the Jockey Celebration Day BM90 (1300m), but responded well in taking out each of the Canterbury Hurlstone RSL Handicap (1400m) and TAB.com.au BM95 (1500m) in his next two starts.
Having returned to the paddock for a brief freshen-up, the More Than Ready gelding returned on November 14th in the Cellarbrations Wyong Handicap (1350m) but failed to match the late pace and finished eleven lengths off runaway winner Zanbagh in sixth place.
Sargent told Racing Ahead Centre Pivot has taken plenty of benefit from the run and is expecting a far-more polished performance in the 2015 Festival Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday.
“I’m happy with the horse,” Sargent said.
“His first-up run, although it looked disappointing he obviously didn’t like the track but I had to run him to get him ready for the Magic Millions staying race in Queensland.
“He’ll improve drastically with that run under his belt. He’s gone up a level, he’s fit and probably still 90% but that’s where I want him with one more start then off to Queensland.”
Centre Pivot was allocated the wide and somewhat awkward barrier 12 for the Festival Stakes, but Sargent is confident the addition of veteran hoop Glyn Schofield will allow the horse to effectively overcome the draw.
“He’ll relax a bit from that draw and will get home strongly. Glyn is a Group 1 jockey so I’ll leave it to him. If he flies the gates he could change things,” Sargent said.
Centre Pivot has posted an impressive seven wins and five minors through only sixteen career starts since first appearing on course competitively in late 2013.
Having begun his career under the guidance of John O’Shea, Centre Pivot was transferred to the care of Sam Kavanagh before arriving at Sargent’s stables following a 2014/15 summer preparation.
Ladbrokes.com.au is currently offering the best 2015 Festival Stakes odds, for which Centre Pivot can be taken at a generous quote of $13 for success.
