Darren Weir will unveil his stable's latest West Australian recruit when Chocolate Holic makes his eastern seaboard debut in the group 3 $150,000 Sir John Monash Stakes, 1100m, at Caulfield on Saturday.
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Chocolate Holic has won seven of his 11 starts in WA, including the listed Northam Cup, 1600m, and listed Carbine Club of WA Stakes, 1400m.
Chocolate Holic had two trials in April and May for his former trainers Grant and Alana Williams before they sent him to Weir.
"He's a really nice horse and a good horse to get," Weir said.
"He had good trainers before coming over here, so it would be hard to improve him, but hopefully I get him going as good.
"Grant and Alana just rang up and said we'll send him over. There's a few more opportunities here."
The Bletchingly Stakes, 1200m, in another two weeks and PB Lawrence Stakes, 1400m, next month are possible targets for Chocolate Holic.
"I reckon 1400 metres is his go. I would have thought he would need further than what it is on Saturday.
"I reckon he will be hitting the line well, but I just thought it might be too short."
Weir's past success with West Australian horses is highlighted by Black Heart Bart's five group 1 wins.
Chocolate Holic has been based at Weir's Warrnambool stable and even though the trainer believes the 1100m could be too short, he is looking forward to the gelding stepping out for the stable.
"He's a lovely little horse to train. And a good horse," Weir said.
BALLARAT jockey John Allen is taking an enforced holiday.
The Darren Weir stable jockey was suspended for eight race meetings – two metropolitan and six provincial – after pleading guilty to a careless riding charge while winning on Stormcraft in Ballarat on Thursday.
He began the suspension on Friday and will be available to ride again on July 22.
In assessing penalty, stewards reported they took into account his guilty plea, recent record and that the careless riding was in the low range.
Allen had a treble at the meeting.
TWO international trackwork riders have been banned for returning positive drug tests in Victoria.
Frenchmen Pierre Boudvillain and Enzo Mezenguel were banned for two months and six weeks respectively after pleading guilty to having a banned substance in their system.
Stewards did not name the substance, charging the pair under AR81A, which covers alcohol and other drugs.
The pair were tested during trackwork at Ballarat on June 26 and were stood down on July 6.
Each will be required to return negative drug tests before they can resume handling horses.
