Two classy colts by champion sires Fastnet Rock and Snitzel will be out to boost their appeal as sire prospects in the Group I VRC Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington on Saturday.
Trainer Aaron Purcell will make a significant gear change in Merchant Navy's first run for him in Saturday's Group I Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington.
Merchant Navy will race for the first time since disappointing behind Trapeze Artist in the Group I Golden Rose over 1400m at Rosehill on September 23 when trained by Ciaron Maher.
Purcell has made an adjustment to the gear for the colt on Saturday.
"He'll race in blinkers for the first time and they will help sharpen him," Purcell said.
"He's done well since the Sydney trip and Caulfield win was good before then so he's entitled to run well on Saturday."
Although disappointing on the day, Purcell said the trip has not been a wasted exercise.
"He's a Fastnet Rock colt and the trip away has certainly helped him," Purcell said.
"It was his first time away and he's certainly grown up. He's a different sortto Jukebox - more laid back."
Purcell will also accept with Snitzel colt Jukebox in the Coolmore Stud Stakes.
Jukebox finished second to Formality last time out in the Group III Blue Sapphire Stakes over 1200m at Caulfield on October 18 and finished second at his only start on the Flemington straight course behind Catchy in the Danehill Stakes in September.
Purcell said he would take both colts to gallop at Sandown on Tuesday and was happy with both.
"I'm happy with them," Purcell said. "Jukebox is a very sharp sort and the race looks to suit him.
"I think he's good enough to win it, he just needs to behave himself a bit better than he did the other day.
"He got very hot beforehand and that's not like him but he was on the fresh side so now he's had that run under his belt I'm expecting a different horse come Saturday.
"A good gallop tomorrow should put him right for the weekend."
