Sunshine Coast an Option For Pike Colt

One of trainer Tony Pike's runners, the Gr2 Wakefield Stakes winner Not An Option (Not A Single Doubt-Chintz, by Savabeel) is looking to push on towards the Gr3 Winx Guineas (Sunshine Coast Guineas) on July 3 after his somewhat disappointing effort in the Gr3 Fred Best Classic behind the Desleigh Foster-trained Apache Chase (Better Than Ready), when finishing downfield, beaten over six lengths by the winner. Racing in the silks of Cambridge Stud's Brendan and Jo Lindsay, and raced in partnership with a host of leading New Zealand breeders, Not An Option won two of his first three career starts in his homeland, before heading across the Tasman and finishing third behind Doubtland (Brazen Beau), who has since retired to Newgate Farm, in the Gr3 Kindergarten Stakes prior to finishing sixth in the Gr1 Champagne Stakes behind the Coolmore Stud based King's Legacy (Redoute's Choice). With a win back in New Zealand from his ensuing five starts, the 3YO colt is poised to increase his stallion appeal and a further black-type win in the Guineas would go some way to achieving that. Won in the past by the likes of The Bostonian (Jimmy Choux), Tivaci (High Chaparral) and Winx (Street Cry), the race has been used as a launching pad for future Group 1 success in years gone by.

Gr2 Wakefield Stakes winner Not An Option (pic: Race Images)