Steparty set for pressure test as a gelding in Group 2 Schillaci Stakes at Caulfield

One-time boom galloper Steparty will have his first start as a gelding in the Group 2 Schillaci Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.

Steparty of old could be on display at Caulfield on Saturday in the Group 2 Schillaci Stakes (1100m), the one-time boom galloper’s first start as a gelding.

Steparty, who placed third in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas as second favourite on this day last year, could not recapture the early promise as an autumn three-year-old.

The exciting son of Artie Schiller, who won his first five starts leading up to the Caulfield Guineas, was gelded after two plain performances during the Queensland winter carnival.

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Steparty has trialled strongly since, winning an 850m heat at Ararat last month, but jockey John Allen said race pressure on Saturday would be a better guide.

“He always trials up well, generally that class of horse is probably running against inferior opposition and nine times out of 10 they trial pretty well,” Allen said.

“We won’t really know how it goes until he’s under race conditions … as long as he can be running well I’d imagine it will set him up for the rest of his prep.”

Steparty is $20 with Ladbrokes for the Schillaci.

Group 1 Moir Stakes winner Mornington Glory ($3.90) is favourite from Recommendation ($4.20), Kallos ($4.80), Oscar’s Fortune ($4.80), Star Patrol ($7.50) and Bellatrix Star ($7.50).

John Allen combining with Steparty to win the Caulfield Guineas Prelude last year. Picture: Scott Barbour/Racing Photos via Getty Images

With a mind on the job now, Allen is optimistic Steparty could wind back the clock.

“If you look at his three-year-old form he was competitive and beat Southport Tycoon in two races,” Allen said.

“Hopefully he’s come back in order, I’d expect him to run well but it’s a competitive race.

“He was good in his early career but certainly I felt in his last two runs he seemed to have a bit of a think about it.

“You never know, (gelding) can turn some horses inside out and some it doesn’t make a difference to them.”

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Allen has eight rides at Caulfield on Saturday including outsider Rue De Royale in the Caulfield Guineas and Light Infantry Man in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap.

The 19-time Group 1 winner has juggled racing and nappy duties the past month with he and wife Emma doting over three-week-old daughter Ciara.

“A bit extra coffee in the morning,” Allen laughed.

“It’s all gone as smooth as it can, happy and healthy.”

Originally published as Steparty set for pressure test as a gelding in Group 2 Schillaci Stakes at Caulfield