Young trainer Chris Gangemi is planning a change of tactics for speed machine Werd in a bid to break the seven-year-olds luckless record in feature races.
Werd has won nine races from 37 starts and has amassed almost half-a-million dollars in prizemoney but has yet to crack it for a win at stakes level.
The son of Hussonet ran placings in the Belmont Sprint and Colonel Reeves Stakes and was runner up on two occasions in the Summer Scorcher.
Werd, to be ridden by Campbell McCallum, resumes tackling a strong field in the $80,000 Listed Cyril Flower Stakes (1200m) at Ascot tomorrow.
It includes the return of exciting Bunbury galloper Maschino, Mungrup Sprint winner Reimbursement, Railway Stakes placegetter Westriver Kevydonn and Northam Cup victor Moneghetti.
“It’s a top race with many up and coming horses,” Gangemi said.
“It won’t be easy but I’m sure Werd will be thereabouts.
“He has proven himself in good company previously and I’m sure he will hold his own.
“The plan is to let Westriver Kevydonn or Highly Toxic lead and if Werd could take a sit behind it would work out beautifully.
“It would give him a better chance to run out a strong 1200m.
“His last couple of gallops in track work have been brilliant and I couldn’t be happier with the horse going into the race.”
Julio Santarelli