Randwick trainer John Thompson to have a crack at $750k Inglis Sprint with maiden Baranof

Baranof would stun punters if he won the $750,000 Inglis Sprint but trainer John Thompson’s frustration would ease if the three-year-old scored at Flemington.

Trainer John Thompson is “having a throw at the stumps” with Baranof in Saturday’s $750,000 Inglis Sprint at Flemington. Picture: Getty Images

His connections’ frustration will melt away should Baranof break his maiden in Saturday’s $750,000 Inglis Sprint (1200m) at Flemington.

The well-bred Baranof has placed in five of his 11 starts to date but Randwick trainer John Thompson said the three-year-old has blown chances to win races in the past.

“It has been frustrating,” the Randwick-based Thompson said.

“He’s been running well and I thought he was home the other day at Kembla (Grange) when he kicked away but he got run down late.”

While Thompson’s frustration might ease, punters could see red if Baranof landed the winner’s cheque at his current price of $126.

Those big odds are despite the half-brother to Group performers Rothesay and Sensei showing talent despite being unable to win a race.

Baranof earned $380,000 when running second to speedster Profiteer in last year’s Inglis Millennium at Randwick and has placed three times in city races.

Inglis Sprint runner Baranof is a half-brother to Group 2 winner Rothesay. Picture: Jono Searle

Connections had Baranof gelded at the end of his last campaign, which Thompson said has improved the son of Hinchinbrook’s consistency.

Thompson said a win in Sydney was imminent but the $750,000 carrot made a trip to Flemington worthwhile.

“If he stayed in Sydney and kept racing up here, he’d win a race soon but when this race became an option, he’s going to go,” Thompson said.

“He’s going well and racing about as well as he can. The owners wanted to have a throw at the stumps so we will.

“For that sort of money, it’s worth having a go.”

Jordan Childs will ride Baranof in the Inglis Sprint.

Originally published as Randwick trainer John Thompson to have a crack at $750k Inglis Sprint with maiden Baranof