Caulfield race to decide direction for Summer Passage

Darryl Sherer - Monday September 18

Next month's Group III Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) at Caulfield will be a campaign deciding run for Summer Passage.

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Summer Passage (red & green sleeves) in the Danehill Stakes. Photo: Darryl Sherer

A Group I winner in New Zealand last season, Summer Passage was beaten 2 1/2-lengths into eighth behind Catchy in Saturday's Group II Danehill Stakes (1200m) at Flemington.

Lance O'Sullivan, who trains Summer Passage in partnership with Andrew Scott, told NZ Racing Desk he was far from disappointed with the run.

"The run was a lot better than it looked," O'Sullivan said. "He was a bit lost down the straight and Mark Zahra had to take a hold of him when that other horse (Limestone) fell.

"He's come through the race very well and he will improve with it."

Summer Passage won the Group I Sistema Diamond Stakes over 1200m at Ellerslie in March and O'Sullivan said he is still undecided about the best distance for the son of Snitzel.

"After the Guineas Prelude we will make the decision as to whether he goes to the Caulfield Guineas or the Coolmore Stud Stakes down the straight again on Derby day." O'Sullivan said.

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