Va Pensiero puts Slipper claims on line

Wednesday 6 March 2013, 3:01pm

Trainer Jason Coyle will have a lot riding on Saturday's Warwick Farm meeting.

He will saddle up two of his major carnival hopefuls in Golden Slipper prospect Va Pensiero and progressive gelding Scream Machine.

Va Pensiero emerged as a Slipper candidate with a strong first-up win at Warwick Farm last month.

But mindful that many of the better two-year-olds weren't around at the time, Coyle wants to see his colt turn in a similar showing against stronger opposition in Saturday's Lonhro Plate (1100m).

"We're getting to the pointy end of the two-year-olds now," Coyle said.

"Even though he only won three or four weeks ago, there is another injection of quality horses there now and he is going to have to make natural improvement.

"(But) he has done exceptionally well."

Va Pensiero has won a barrier trial since his last appearance and will have 11 rivals including Breeders' Plate winner Whittington and colts Havana and Le Cordon Bleu, both $26 Slipper chances despite being unraced.

Coyle confirmed Scream Machine would take his place in the Group Three Liverpool City Cup (1300m) at Warwick Farm after also being entered for the Listed National Sprint at Canberra on Sunday.

The four-year-old strung together consecutive wins over middle distances in the summer and Coyle says Saturday's race will provide a good pointer for the autumn.

"It's a different ball game coming out of off-carnival form," Coyle said.

"It will be interesting to get a gauge on him going forward.

"He's nominated for the Doncaster along with 300 other horses. There are quite a few options for him from a mile to 2000 metres, it's just a matter of him finding his way."

A field of 10 will contest the Liverpool City Club headed by Stradbroke Handicap winner Mid Summer Music, Villiers Stakes winner All Legal and former South Australian Bagman who is now with John O'Shea.

– AAP

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