West Australian trained gallopers will star in Saturday's Group 1 Newmarket Handicap

Perth Turf Talk | Australian Racing | Tue 5 March, 2013

WA trained gallopers will have a strong presence in Saturday’s $1 million Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) and both impressed at Flemington this morning.

Barakey, who was scratched at the barriers in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield a fortnight ago worked well with Group 1 winner Woorim, while Newmarket top weight Luckygray won his jump-out from Fontelina.

"We’d always planned it this way, for him to run and he’s right on top of his game," Trainer Gino Poletti said.

"We had planned on coming here for this race last year but he was too immature."

After the Newmarket, Luckygray will head to Moonee Valley for a daunting clash with superstar Black Caviar in the William Reid Stakes.

"The owners have made it clear they want to take on Black Caviar so they will get their wish and I also want him to race at the Valley before the spring carnival."

Poletti stressed that a Cox Plate start for Luckygray was extremely unlikely.

Luckygray is rated a $6 chance in the Newmarket Handicap with TAB Sportsbet who have Barakey a $4.50 second favourite.

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