It’s no Grand final … but Pakenham Cup beckons for Jason Warren-trained stayer

Trainer Jason Warren expects Grand Pierro to run “a bold race” in Saturday’s Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m) – a race he sees as the perfect tune up for the Bagot Handicap (2800m) on New Year’s Day at Flemington.

The in-form Grand Pierro is expected to run well at double figure odds in Saturday’s Listed Pakenham Cup. Picture: Ross Holburt / Racing Photos

Trainer Jason Warren expects Grand Pierro to run “a bold race” in Saturday’s Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m) – a race he sees as the perfect tune up for the Bagot Handicap (2800m) on New Year’s Day at Flemington.

Grand Pierro placed third last start at Caulfield in a 2400m Benchmark 84 behind Kadavar, who franked the form line going on to win the Listed Christmas Cup (2400m) in Sydney last Saturday.

“He ran terrific last start running third on a wet track when he didn’t really handle that,” Warren said.

“He’s much better on top of the ground, small field, he’s drawn well … it looks a nice race for him.”

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Grand Pierro will head to the Bagot after Saturday – a race he ran third in 12 months ago.

The five-year-old is $15 with Ladbrokes for the Pakenham Cup.

Smokin’ Romans is a $3.70 favourite from Muramasa ($4.60), Vow And Declare ($6), Herman Hesse ($6.50) and Goldman ($8.50).

Grand Pierro has won up to 2200m previously – the Ararat Cup last year – but placed multiple times at 2400m and 2800m.

What a finish!

Grand Pierro digs deep to take out the Ararat Gold Cup 🏆 @[e-mail]/h77UDq5Agp

— Racing.com (@Racing) November 12, 2023

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Warren also has Freak Of Nature on a seven-day back-up into The David Bourke Memorial (1400m).

Freak Of Nature was disappointed for a run at a crucial stage last Saturday at Caulfield in the Magic Millions VIC 3YO & 4YO Classic (1200m) but rallied again to grab fourth place.

“I do think the horse should’ve won last start,” Warren said.

“1400m on a big track is definitely his go. He’s a horse we’re planning to take to the Gold Coast for the Magic Millions Cup.”

Freak Of Nature is on the cusp of getting a start in the $2m race in Queensland next month, which forced the decision to back-up.

“This race (David Bourke Memorial) is quite achievable … he’s a terrific chance so hopefully we can win on Saturday and confirm we get a start when we go all that way to the Gold Coast,” Warren said.

“When he got squeezed out (last Saturday) he pretty much got put out of the race, and then picked himself up off the canvas and really attacked the line.”

What a battle to the post! 🗣️

Freak Of Nature fends off a gallant Verdad to lead all of the way.@[e-mail]/V8Ot5gyCSe

— Racing.com (@Racing) September 28, 2024

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Meanwhile, Benedetta is on track to resume in the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington in February.

Exciting two-year-old and Listed Merson Cooper winner Palm Angel has been freshened for the Blue Diamond series.

Warren is set to open a Flemington stable in February as part of an exciting expansion for the Mornington horseman.

“It gives us a chance to get our young horses up to Flemington, I think it will be really good for our ownership base and giving us a city presence,” Warren said.

“We’ve got a few Group horses there, Benedetta will be going to the Lightning, and it just gives us a bit better platform.”

Originally published as It’s no Grand final … but Pakenham Cup beckons for Jason Warren-trained stayer