2024 Epsom Handicap weights: Trainer Les Bridge to target race with Doncaster winner Celestial Legend
In a shock spring carnival program switch, Hall of Fame trainer Les Bridge is considering aiming Celestial Legend at the Group 1 $1.5 million Epsom Handicap.
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In a shock spring carnival program switch, Hall of Fame trainer Les Bridge is considering aiming Celestial Legend at the Group 1 $1.5 million Epsom Handicap.
Bridge revealed his big-race plans for Celestial Legend after the steely grey’s unplaced comeback run last Saturday.
Racing NSW handicappers announced Epsom weights on Monday and have allocated dual Group 1 winner Celestial Legend 56kg for the famous Randwick mile (1600m) run on October 5.
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Winner of the Doncaster Mile earlier this year when carrying 49kg, Celestial Legend is at $6 in early TAB Fixed Odds betting for the Epsom behind only Godolphin’s $4.50 favourite Tom Kitten (54kg).
Bridge was far from downcast despite Celestial Legend finishing only eighth in his new season return behind Encap in the Theo Marks Stakes at Rosehill.
Encap wins the G2 Theo Marks Stakes second up for @GaryPortelli and Jason Collett! pic.twitter.com/3UsmFzLWEX
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) September 14, 2024
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“Celestial Legend has pulled up terrific, he was jumping out of his skin this morning,’’ Bridge said.
“I thought the run was OK, it was about what I expected from him. I knew he couldn’t win after they had gone a furlong (a200m) as he never travelled, they were going so quick.
“It seems he is looking for further now. I will study the weights and make up my mind whether I run him in the Epsom or the King Charles (III Stakes, 1600m, Randwick, October 19).
“But the main aim is the Golden Eagle ($10 million, 1500m, Rosehill, November 2) as he only gets one chance to run in that race.’’
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Zougotcha is the Epsom topweight with 58kg but is an unlikely runner. Godolphin’s Pericles is next with 57.5kg from Atishu and Numerian on 57kg.
Without A Fight, winner of the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups last year, has 61kg for the Group 1 $750,000 The Metropolitan (2400m) on Epsom Day but the Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained stayer is almost certain to miss the race.
Buckaroo and Kalapour have been allocated 57kg while early The Metropolitan $6 favourite Eliyass has 56kg and boom young stayer Ceolwulf has 55kg.
Buckaroo, Kalapour, Eliyass and Ceolwulf are all nominated for the Group 3 $250,000 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Originally published as 2024 Epsom Handicap weights: Trainer Les Bridge to target race with Doncaster winner Celestial Legend
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