Annabel Neasham has swung former French galloper Bois D’Argent south to Melbourne for his first-up run to escape the Sydney heat.
But Bois D’argent will meet some unseasonably hot weather when he runs in The Mugatoo (1600m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
A top temperature of 37 degrees is expected on Saturday afternoon.
Arriving in Australia for the Sydney Spring Carnival for previous trainer Marco Botti, Bois D’argent finished third in the Rosehill Cup (2000m) at his only run in Australia before transferring to Neasham’s care.
“The forecast is very hot up in Sydney and I just thought, first start with these imports, you don’t want to cook them,” Neasham said.
“So, I thought coming down here, over the mile, is ideal to start him off.
“His work has been very good.
“He’s a lovely horse but I think he will be better over 2000 (metres), that being said, this looks a very good race for him, and he has a nice barrier as well.”
Neasham said Bois D’argent’s form indicates he is better performed at 2000m, but he is a stakes winner over 1600m in France.
The gelding, a son of Toronado, is nominated for both the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) on April 1 and the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick the following week.
But Neasham said Saturday’s performance would determine in which direction Bois D’argent heads.
She said the Group 1 Cox Plate at Moonee Valley in the spring could also be a consideration.
“That would be nice but we’ll see what he does,” Neasham said.
“He’s a nice progressive horse that has good form over in Europe and if he can go to the next level, you will see him in some better races.”