A few extra days but considerably more prize money has led trainer John Moloney electing to run Dictionary at Caulfield.
Dictionary was also down to run at Sandown on Wednesday, but with $175,000 and a further $30,000 in bonus money of offer, the VOBIS Gold Stayers (2400m) on Saturday was a more attractive option for Moloney and connections.
The gelding is one of the better-bred horses that will be racing on Saturday.
He is by All Too Hard , a half-brother to Black Caviar, from the unraced mare Collins , a sister to three-time Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva..
Moloney said Dictionary was a slow maturing stayer, but was starting to ‘come good’, resulting in a shot at a decent prize money race.
Dictionary has been racing well this campaign as the races have got longer, posting a win at Sale last month before placings at Cranbourne and most recently at Sandown on July 10.
Moloney said Dictionary was a fine sort of horse that has kept developing with age.
“He’s not a big animal, but he’s got stronger and matured as he’s gone along,” Moloney said.
“Imperial Lad , he’s also an All Too Hard, and he took a while to mature and took eight runs to win, the same as this horse.
“They both have been able to pick up the pieces and this horse is still coming along.
“In a couple of weeks, he’s a five-year-old, but he’s going along quite well as a stayer.
“His best form has been once he’s got out over a trip and the beauty of him is that he can handle wet ground.”
A stumbling block for Dictionary on Saturday could be Teewaters.
The Archie Alexander -trained stayer has won the past two editions of the VOBIS Gold Stayers, defeating Royal Crown in 2022 and then Khoekhoe last year.
Teewaters has been struggling for form this campaign and is coming off a last start 13th at Caulfield on July 13 and is a $19 chance in betting while Dictionary is a $10 hope.