Fell will swoop from sweet barrier

FELL Swoop has escaped the Doomben 10,000 microscope with Azkadellia dropping into the action, but no trainer was happier than Matt Dale after the barrier draw.

FELL Swoop has escaped the Doomben 10,000 microscope with Azkadellia dropping into the action, but no trainer was happier than Matt Dale after the barrier draw.

In stark contrast to gate 10 in the BTC Cup, Fell Swoop came up with the rails yesterday for his latest attempt to give trainer Matt Dale a maiden Group 1 victory in the $750,000 feature.

Fell Swoop’s jockey Zac Purton is also seeking another career milestone. He is yet to win a Group 1 race in the state in which he first made his name.

Dale said Purton’s arrival, coupled with a slightly longer journey starting from the inside gate, the stars were starting to align for Fell Swoop this time.

“We were always going to need luck from barrier 10 in the BTC Cup and when you’re four wide without cover in a Group 1 weight-for-age race, you’re going to do it a bit tough,” he said.

‘‘He just didn’t have the same tactical speed, so from barrier one this time we can ride him wherever he’s comfortable.

“Zac already has a feel for the horse and his peak career rating came with Zac in the saddle in the T.J. Smith, so hopefully he can repeat that on Saturday.’’

Fell Swoop may not have won a Group 1 yet, but in terms of having the right lead-up form for the Doomben 10,000 he profiles strongly.

Six winners in the past 15 years came off a T.J. Smith placing at Randwick to land the Doomben 10,000 and Fell Swoop is the only horse with that profile on Saturday.

Delectation (2) was the other runner to have a change in barrier fortunes from the BTC Cup.

Azkadellia drew the outside gate in the 10-horse field, but it has not deterred punters and she was in to $2.90 with UBET on Wednesday.

â–  BOOM Kiwi filly Provocative seems certain to make the Queensland Oaks field after moving to 19th in the order of entry after Wednesday’s first acceptances.

Blake Shinn has been booked for third favourite Falkenberg ($7), while Roger James’ Romantic Maid ($8.50) is also certain to make the field.

Originally published as Fell will swoop from sweet barrier