Bigger prize money and the chance to race on one of Australia’s best racetracks will see Steven Pateman head to Sandown with El Gladiador (NZ) (Ghibellines).
A last start runner-up to Milford (NZ) (Savabeel) in the Gr.3 Eclipse Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield, El Gladiador is entered in a benchmark 82 race at Morphettville and a benchmark 84 contest at Sandown on Saturday.
Both races are over 1800m with the Adelaide race carrying A$55,000 in total prize money while at Sandown there is A$150,000 up for grabs.
“He’s got a bit of weight, but Sandown Hillside, it’s one of the best tracks in the country and there’s almost triple the prize money,” Pateman said.
Pateman was surprised with El Gladiador’s starting price of $101 when beaten a half-length by Milford at Caulfield and tipped the horse to a few mates.
Being a licenced jockey, Pateman was not able to take advantage of the $151 that had been offered.
Pateman said he thought the price was unfair, given El Gladiador’s performance in Listed company at Morphettville at his previous start.
“He had to do all the work there after being three wide early, on pace,” Pateman said.
“The 1800 metres seems to be his trip, so I thought he was entitled to be 20-to-one at Caulfield.
“I was sweating before the race wondering if I had done the right thing. Anyway, we definitely made the right choice.”
