Big Swinger aims for Caulfield win in Testa Rossa Stakes while trainer Charlotte Littlefield recovers from surgery

Sidelined trainer Charlotte Littlefield is on doctor’s orders to stay calm as Big Swinger chases victory in the Testa Rossa Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.

Pakenham trainer Charlotte Littlefield could do with a relaxing distraction at 5.40pm on Saturday to avoid any Big Swinger-fuelled blood pressure spikes.

Littlefield is on specialist orders to keep her cool this week, in particular, after surgery on chronic sinusitis and to remove the scar tissue of multiple nose fractures’ past.

“I’m in a bit of a state, at the moment,” Littlefield laughed.

“I certainly won’t be at the races but I’ve got a horse going there in good order.”

Big Swinger is a $5.50 second favourite for the Listed Testa Rossa Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield behind Persian Spirit ($4.80).

Big Swinger placed third first-up at Flemington in the Listed Fisher Stakes (1200m).

A victory on Saturday would stamp his credentials for the target $1m The Supernova (1400m) at Pakenham third-up on December 13.

“We didn’t expect this race to be so full on,” Littlefield said of the Testa Rossa.

Reigning Supernova winner Here To Shock is a $6 chance on Saturday, with Run Harry Run ($8), Craig ($8) and Amenable ($8.50) also fancied in the market.

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“You’re coming towards the tail end of spring and you’ve got such a quality field, with some depth there,” Littlefield said.

“It’s certainly no walk in the park. We treat the race with respect, we go in there with a good product, I think he’s drawn well for him (barrier seven).

“He’s not a horse that needs to be hemmed in on the fence and it gives him enough room for Ben (Allen) to make his decision (settling position) upon jumping.”

Big Swinger is in “good order” for the Testa Rossa Stakes. Picture: Racing Photos

Littlefield has a week off “everything” after surgery on Thursday and a fortnight out of the trackwork saddle.

“I ride a few fruity horses, Modown and Feeling Dusty are my two regular rides and they’re naughty, a good chance to give me another bop in the face,” Littlefield said.

“Apparently I’m not allowed to get my blood pressure up, for fear of a blood nose, it’s going to be quite tricky on Saturday … I’ll have to do some yoga or meditation.

“I’ve broken my nose a couple times (riding over the years), also my sinuses, I thought it was just normal I couldn’t breathe out of one side of my nose, apparently not.

“We’ve had it all rectified, I’ve had chronic sinusitis for about 15 years and finally got that operated on, so I should be a new woman. It’s not pretty.”

Originally published as Big Swinger aims for Caulfield win in Testa Rossa Stakes while trainer Charlotte Littlefield recovers from surgery