Sghirripa set for new challenge in Testa Rossa Stakes at Caulfield

Talented SA sprinter Sghirripa faces 1400m for the first time in the Listed Testa Rossa Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.

South Australian trainer Shane Oxlade is hoping a rise in trip can reignite talented sprinter Sghirripa, who steps to 1400m in Saturday’s Listed Testa Rossa Stakes at Caulfield.

Sghirripa hasn’t saluted the judge in 12 starts since January 2024, racing competitively at Group-level without success.

The son of Lonhro had a bright start to his career, winning seven of his first 14 over 1000-1200m. He finished second behind Asfoora in the Group 3 RN Irwin Stakes earlier this year, his best performance since winning the Group 3 Standish Handicap (2024).

Oxlade is hoping a 1400m assignment can propel the 6YO back to winning ways. The Woodchester-based handler said there were “no excuses” for the gelding based on his trackwork.

You bloody Sghirripa 🤩

The South Australian takes out the Standish Handicap in a canter for Shane & Cassie Oxlade ⚡️ @craig_newittpic.twitter.com/louwWnbCEY

— Racing.com (@Racing) January 13, 2024

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“We’ve always thought he would get it (1400m), but we just haven’t had to go there, there’s been races for him,” Oxlade, co-trainer with daughter Cassie, said.

“Although he hasn’t won for a long while, I don’t think it’s been the trip previously that’s beat him.

“It’s circumstances and needing things to go your way, and sometimes they don’t at that level.

“I’m really happy with him, I’ve been happy with him all prep, the horse is going really well.

“We worked him over a little bit further since he’s got to go to 1400m and Lauren (Stojakovic) said he’s actually loved it.

“I can’t fault the horse, I just hope we go to the 1400m, he gets a nice run and runs the race we think he can run.

“He’s never been a long way away. Apart from last start (Listed), they’ve all been Group races, he certainly hasn’t dropped down in grade.”

Sghirripa on the way to the barriers prior to the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington in March, 2025. Picture: George Sal / Racing Photos

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Sghirripa was beaten three lengths by Rey Magnerio, when seventh in the Group 3 Caulfield Sprint (1000m) first-up in October.

He ran fifth last start, beaten 4-½ lengths by Boston Rocks in the Caulfield Village Stakes (1100m) on November 15.

“He didn’t go bad (Caulfield Sprint), Nash (Rawiller) certainly didn’t can him, he said he probably wants 1200m,” he said.

“The other day (Village Stakes), we lobbed one out, one back, but he just couldn’t quicken around the corner when they quickened – he was flat out.

“His last 100m was the best part of his race, he got through the line okay. When Jamie Mott came back, he said ‘have you thought about trying him further?’

“The first time Froggy (Craig Newitt) rode him and won on him, he said ‘this horse will win a 1400m over here (Melbourne)’

“It’s never been off the radar, but it’s never been something we’ve had to do.”

Sghirripa is a $31 outsider with Sportsbet for Saturday’s Testa Rossa Stakes, with Billy Egan booked to ride.

“If we can lob somewhere where he’s happy, get a bit of cover, sit and let him finish off,” Oxlade said.

“It looks like being a bit damp over there, so the sting out of the track will help him.”

Originally published as Sghirripa set for new challenge in Testa Rossa Stakes at Caulfield