Neurological will spearhead Martin Allan’s bid for victory in the R.J.Peters Stakes (1500m) at Ascot on Saturday.
Neurological and Flow will give the Ascot-based trainer a two-pronged attack in the $150,000 Group 3 feature.
Neurological will look to claim his second stakes victory after he won Listed Farnley Stakes (1400m) last September.
The Gingerbread Man gelding impressed Allan last-start when third to Tellem We’re Comin in the Northam Cup (1600m).
“He is in terrific order and I was super impressed with his last start,” Allan said.
“Seven weeks into a 1600m and he took a few knocks around the bend.
“I thought it was a really good effort and he has trimmed up nicely for this.
“This has always been his main target so I’m going into it pretty happy.
“I think I have a good chance of winning it.”
In a nine horse Peters Stakes line-up Neurological has drawn barrier four. Star apprentice Jade McNaught, who claimed her first feature win on Neurological in the Farnley Stakes, retains the ride.
“I think he is going to get a lovely run,” Allan said.
“He hasn’t run at Ascot for a while, but I think it will suit him better as well.”
Neurological is a $7 chance with Tabtouch. Flow, well beaten in his two Perth starts since arriving from Sydney, is an $81 outsider.
Allan is optimistic Night Voyage can rebound in the Sightseeing Pass Australia Handicap (1000m).
Since winning over 1000m at Belmont in August, the seven-year-old has failed to run a placing at his past four starts.
But from an ideal barrier (2) and with the claim of McNaught (57kg), Allan expects an improved performance.
“He is gradually coming down in weight which is another bonus,” Allan said.
“He will get a lovely run and if she (McNaught) can bottle him up to the last minute I think he can bounce back.”
Allan says Sir Mambo also has great claims to make it a winning hat trick in the Fine Wine Wholesalers Handicap (1400m), but believes Royal Command poses a big threat.
Julio Santarelli
www.rwwa.com.au