Jason Edwards has Queensland Derby plans with Pentito

By Glenn Davis

Deagon trainer Jason Edwards is hoping a decision to bypass the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas with promising gelding Pentito will reap its rewards during the TAB Queensland Winter Racing Carnival.

Pentito will have his first start since finishing third in a QTIS race at Eagle Farm in mid-October when he lines up in the male’s division of the QTIS Three-Year-Old at Doomben on Saturday.

Edwards had every intention of setting Pentito for the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas had he won his Eagle Farm assignment before some timely advice from experienced jockey Michael Cahill.

“We were thinking of setting him for the Magic Millions Guineas but Michael suggested it may be too hot and he was looking for further than 1400 metres,” Edwards said.

“He’d only won a maiden at his previous start so Michael was probably right in hindsight.

“He’ll now have two runs this campaign then he’ll go out for a break to be aimed for the Rough Habit Plate and hopefully the Queensland Derby in the winter.”

Edwards has only been training for seven years, and his best galloper has been Sir Barnabus who also resumes in the Benchmark 90 Handicap.

Sir Barnabus has 10 wins and 13 placings from 54 starts with prizemoney earnings of more than $453,000.

Pentito is a $5.50 second favourite in latest TAB markets for the QTIS Three-Year-Old behind $3.20 favourite Kipsbay.

Edwards is not overawed competing against Kipsbay who is trained by Sydney's Chris Waller.

“I’ve had many stouches with Chris Waller and I've beaten him number of times in Brisbane,” Edwards said.

“I’d just like to beat him in a Group 1 then I can start beating my chest.”

Pentito was a cheap $15,000 buy at the Magic Millions March sales and already has won more than $52,000 in prizemoney for connections.

"I liked Pentito a lot when I first saw him because he had a lovely confirmation and was a good walker,” Edwards said.

Pentito is raced in a big syndicate which includes Olympic weight lifter Matthew Lydement who competed at the recent Tokyo Games.

“A lot of his owners have been supporters of mine for some time but Matthew is a first-time owner,” Edwards said.