Electrified set to live up to his name

By Glenn Davis

Rockhampton trainer Jared Wehlow is hopeful his latest stable acquisition Electrified can live up to his name when the gelding makes his Brisbane debut at Eagle Farm on Thursday.

The five-year-old  - a Ryan Wiggins mount - will be having only his third start for Wehlow in the Mount Franklin Benchmark 70 Handicap over 1800 metres.

Wehlow also will saddle up Avocado Sunset in the Maiden Handicap over 1200 metres.

Electrified arrived in Wehlow’s stables late last year after three starts for Joseph Pride in Sydney.

A son of Declaration Of War, Electrified was originally prepared by Bathurst trainer Dean Mirfin who won three races with him at Kembla Grange, Bathurst and Dubbo.

Wehlow has a season strike rate edging close to 20% and Electrified was his last winner when successful in his stable debut in a Benchmark race over 1609 metres in Townsville on December 12.

The gelding followed up the run finishing second to the Ricky Vale-trained Meatball over 1600 metres at Rockhampton on December 29.

Wehlow has been concerned with Electrified “idling” when he gets to the front and has added visors to his headgear.

“I got him for $30,000 and so far, he’s getting there and has nearly repaid us,” Wehlow said.

“This is a step up for him going to a midweek city race but he likes the trip and hopefully he’ll get further.

“I’m putting visors on for the first time as I’ve noticed he’s had a habit of idling once he gets to the front in his last few runs.

“Hopefully with the visors he’ll see them coming.”

Wehlow may extend his stay in Brisbane with Electrified and try him over a longer distance.

“I’d like to get him up in distance a bit more before pulling up stumps for next year’s Winter Carnival at home," he said.

“I think he’ll get a trip and the Townsville and Cairns Cups would be ideal.”

Wehlow rates the Stu Kendrick-trained Silesian as the main threat to Electrified.

Silesian drew barrier four in his bid for a hat-trick of wins.

The four-year-old has won four of his 16 starts and is coming off a last start win over 2200 metres on his home track at the Sunshine Coast on January 3.