Sutton Grange trainer Paul Banks has had runners in big races at the Flemington carnival before, but he’s never entered a race with the confidence he has in Violate.
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The superbly bred three-year-old runs in the Group Three Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday.
“It’s as confident as I’ve ever been,’’ Banks said.
“This horse is impeccably bred and as a colt he’s the most cool, calm and collected horse I’ve ever put a saddle on. He knows that he is bloody good.
“I’ve gone to races on the big days with horses that cost $1.50 and were poorly bred and I’ve gone there with hope.
“This time around I have a Sebring colt, who is in great form… there’s no reason not to be confident.”
Violate won on debut at Bendigo in May and was sent straight to the paddock.
His four runs in this campaign have all been good, albeit without winning.
Last start he made up good ground down the outside to run a close-up second to Peacock in the Gothic Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.
This time around Violate has drawn gate one and won’t be required to circle the field.
“He’s pretty average when he leaves the gate, so we need him to get away cleanly and then settle,’’ Banks said.
“He could be in the first four or five in the run and then all he’ll need is to see some daylight.
“He’s a very capable horse. He can do whatever the circumstances are thrown at him.”
Champion jockey Damien Oliver rode Violate last start, but he is suspended. The in-form Mark Zahra takes the ride on Violate in the Carbine Club Stakes.
Despite his strong run last start, Violate is rated a $21 chance in the Carbine Club Stakes.
“I love the fact the so-called experts have left him out of everything,’’ Banks said.
“The fact that he’s trained by a hobby trainer from Sutton Grange probably has a lot to do with that.
“I couldn’t give two bob about that… the horse will run a big race.”
Banks is taking on the big boys of Australian racing.
Chris Waller has three runners in the Carbine Club, John O’Shea has two and Pater Snowden one.
Caulfield Guineas placegetter Hey Doc, trained by Tony McEvoy, is the pre-post favourite at $4.60 just ahead of the O’Shea-trained Morton’s Fork and Snowden-trained Acatour at $4.80.
Waller’s best chance is the well-backed Comin’ Through ($5.50), who has strong form in Sydney.
A strong run on Saturday would see Violate head to either the $250,000 Group Two Sandown Guineas (1600m) in a fortnight or the $500,000 WA Guineas (1600m) at Ascot on November 16.
“We’ll see how he goes at Flemington first before we make a decision about where he runs next,’’ Banks said.
“He is entered for Perth, but we’ll wait and see.”