Racing: Secret’s out on Stakes preparation

Serpentine trainer David Harrison has elected to bypass the Winterbottom Stakes and will press ahead with a Railway Stakes start for talented gelding Waratah’s Secret.

The son of Oratorio, stepping out beyond 1400m for the first time in his career, resumes after having his colours lowered by Ranger in last fortnight’s WAROA Lee Steere Stakes.

‘‘He got beat by Ranger fair and square, but I don’t think the run was as bad as first thought,’’ Harrison said.

‘‘You can’t win outside the leader in a 1400m race when there is a sea breeze, let alone into a 35-knot wind.

‘‘Everyone is saying he didn’t run out a strong 1400m, but he’s had three previous runs at the trip for two wins and got beaten an inch by Ranger in the other who had a 7kg pull in the weights. I don’t think he is out of it and people have sacked him a bit early.’’

Waratah’s Secret will be ridden by Paul Harvey.

Karnup trainer Grant Williams and owners Bob and Sandra Peters will have a strong hand in the Group 1 feature with four horses — Ranger, Tranquillity, Lords Ransom and Battle Emblem.