Caulfield Guineas distance will test prelude winner Native Soldier, trainer Darren Weir concedes

DARREN Weir concedes there are doubts over Native Soldier’s ability to run out a strong 1600m at Group 1 level, but he’s prepared to chance his arm with the colt in the Caulfield Guineas.

Trainer Darren Weir enjoys Native Soldier’s win in the Guineas Prelude. Picture: AAP

DARREN Weir concedes there are legitimate doubts over Native Soldier’s ability to run out a strong 1600m at Group 1 level, but he’s prepared to chance his arm with the glamour colt in the Caulfield Guineas.

Aware victory in the stallion-making race will deliver even more riches than the $2 million purse, Weir admits the chestnut will have to be on his best behavior to land the Guineas after victory in the 1400m prelude.

Asked if 1600m against rising stars such as The Autumn Sun, the $2.60 favourite, was feasible, Weir said: “That’s the question, isn’t it? He would have to do everything right to be able to do it.

“But it’s a pretty good race to be trying it in.”

The son of Blue Diamond and Golden Slipper winner Sepoy and crack mare Belong To Many, Native Soldier has a speed pedigree.

And, according to Weir, the quality to eventually follow his sire to the breeding barn after shortening from $17 to $9 for the Guineas.

“He’s a beautiful horse. He’s just a cracking type and to go with it, he’s got really good ability,” Weir said after Native Soldier ($9) atoned for Flemington failure, downing Tavisan ($8.50) and Long Leaf ($5).

Native Soldier was a dominant winner in the Guineas Prelude but trainer Darren Weir has his doubts at 1600m. Picture: Getty Images

“Let’s hope he can win a Group 1 race because I’m sure there’ll be a lot of (stud) interest in him.

“This horse has been going great.

“He was probably just a smidgen disappointing around Flemington but getting him back here and around a corner today (made the difference).

“The plan was to sit outside the leader and I’m glad he took it up.

“When he got there, he just went a nice pace and I did say to (jockey Ben Allen) Benny ‘On the corner, put it to them if you get left in front and make them catch you.’

“He was walking late but he got the break on them and I look forward to them in a couple of weeks.”

Allen said: “He’s a serious horse, this bloke.

“He stepped away beautiful, he switched off beautifully down the side and got a good breather.

“As soon as I clicked him up, he got rolling really well.

“It’s good to be riding on these big days and especially on quality horses like this.”