Packer Mission For Gouldian & Farolitos

Time/Date - 13.10hrs local time/Saturday, April 18, 2015 Racecourse/Country - Royal Randwick/Australia
Surface/Distance - Turf/1m 2f

Three-year-old colts Gouldian and Farolitos bid for success in the Group Three Johnnie Walker Frank Packer Plate over 10 furlongs at Royal Randwick, Australia, on Saturday, April 18.

Gouldian (John O'Shea/James McDonald) steps down in class after fading to 12th over the same trip in the Group Two Tulloch Stakes at Rosehill Gardens on March 28.

The son of Street Cry was beaten a head in a mile handicap at Moonee Valley on February 27, having finished last of eight in a Sandown-Hillside conditions race over a furlong and a half shorter on February 7.

He came home seventh to Preferment in the Group One AAMI Victoria Derby over an extended 12 furlongs at Flemington on November 1 and gained a nose success in a mile maiden at Warwick Farm on October 8.

Farolitos (John O'Shea/Hugh Bowman) races over a mile and a quarter for the first time following eight starts over shorter trips including when going down by a head to Hi World in the mile Group Three Daily Telegraph Carbine Club Stakes at Royal Randwick on April 6.

The Medaglia d'Oro colt was also narrowly beaten when third in a mile handicap at Warwick Farm on March 19 and gained a decisive victory over half a furlong shorter in a Newcastle handicap on February 19.

John O'Shea said: "Gouldian had no luck in his last start, which was a strong Tulloch Stakes - he was wide throughout and had a torrid run.

"Consequently, we have given him an easy week and a nice barrier trial just to rebuild his confidence. We have taken the blinkers off and he is a very, very fit racehorse and going well at home.

"James McDonald should be able to give him a beautiful run from gate five and I wouldn't be surprised if he turns the tables and gets back in the winner's circle.

"Farolitos continues to thrive at Osborne Park. He has been in very good order and this week has been no different.

"He has drawn a nice gate (six) and should roll forward to take up a position. If he runs a strong 10 furlongs, there will be no reason why he won't be in the finish of this event."

Gouldian and Farolitos meet eight rivals including Hi World, Tulloch Stakes third Merion and Group Three runner-up Wine Tales.