Gelded Blueblood Algorithmic Can Nab His Maiden

Having shown promise in his 2YO season, finishing not too far off the placegetters in all three starts at black type level, connections made the difficult decision to geld Algorithmic (Zoustar-The Actuary, by Sebring) which could pay instant dividends come Wednesday when he resumes in the Quayclean Plate (1200m) at Sandown. Drawn barrier one with Blake Shinn aboard, the Hawkes Racing-trained runner has had two jumpouts leading into his return, and while neither effort set the world alight, the stable is not known for pushing their horses out in the trials/jumpouts. Currently the race favourite based primarily on his juvenile form, the $760,000 Widden Stud, Magic Millions yearling sale graduate is a three-quarter-brother to Group 1 winner Zougotcha, so the decision to geld must have been a hard one for owners Yulong. Another in the field that looks a leading chance is the Matt Cumani-trained Single Choice (Anders-Sebring Sally, by Sebring). Second on debut when narrowly beaten behind Godolphin's Loving (Bivouac), that winning filly has since franked the form with another race victory. From a stakes-producing pedigree, Single Choice was an $80,000 purchase for his trainer at the NZB Ready To Run Sale after originally having sold for the same price as a yearling at the Inglis Classic sale. Bred by Gerry Harvey and part-owned by him, Sebring Sally was a handy 3YO, winning the Listed Strutt Stakes at Hobart, whilst also finishing runner-up in the Gr2 Rose at Doomben. Single Choice's pedigree suggests she is likely to be even better over a bit more distance as she matures.

Zougotcha is a full-sister to Algorithmic (pic: Steve Hart)