Two eye-catching runs on tight turning tracks have convinced Brigantin’s new trainer Chris Waller the horse can step up to the Australia Day Cup at Randwick.
Waller said although he had some reservations about the 2400 metres on Saturday, he wanted to see Brigantin on the spacious track.
At his first start for Waller, Brigantin had trouble getting a clear run when fifth over 1550m at Canterbury and next time out also encountered traffic when second in the Gosford Gold Cup (2100m).
“I’m a little reluctant to step him up to the 2400 metres just yet but I know he will appreciate the bigger track at Randwick,” Waller said.
“We have to look at where we need to get to and in the back of my mind is the Mornington Cup next month.
“By running him in the Australia Day Cup we will get a guide on his staying ability.
“And the Mornington Cup winner is exempt from ballot on the Caulfield Cup and that’s important.”
Waller will also enter I’m Imposing in Saturday’s Listed event at Randwick.
I’m Imposing won the Summer Cup (2000m) before running fourth in the Gosford Cup won by Midsummer Sun.
Brigantin is raced by Team Valor International which has its headquarters in Kentucky and buys horses to race both at home and overseas.
In the case of Brigantin, he began his career with Andre Fabre in France where he won five races including the 2011 Group Two Vigier Stakes in which he beat subsequent Melbourne Cup winner Dunaden.
Fabre brought Brigantin to Australia to try to win the 2012 Melbourne Cup but the horse failed to qualify when third in the Geelong Cup.
A pastern injury sidelined him for almost a year and respected Victorian trainer Pat Carey’s efforts to get him to last year’s Cup were unsuccessful.
The Mornington Cup on February 12 is also the target for Saturday’s Gai Waterhouse-trained Randwick winner Laidback Larry who she labelled an ideal Caulfield Cup horse.
