Keeping expectations in check after Warmonger’s Group 1 Queensland Derby triumph, Michael Kent Junior, while eyeing the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups, emphasised that they won’t rush into obligatory targets.
“The horse will obviously tell us, but we’ll put a circle around the big spring features although we are under no illusion that it will be a lot stronger,” Kent Jnr said.
Despite the reaction from online bookmakers, promoting Warmonger to the top line of Caulfield Cup betting, Kent remained cautious, highlighting the challenge posed by European imports in the Melbourne Cup.
“It is a different kettle of fish when the European imports come out for the Melbourne Cup. It’s a different ballgame altogether,” he added.
Reflecting on Warmonger’s unscathed emergence from the Queensland Derby, Kent mentioned the possibility of a spring Cups campaign, noting the horse’s rapid progression and newfound stamina.
“He’s rapidly progressive and Saturday was the first time we’ve seen his true stamina, as he’s been getting back in very slowly run races, so for the first time they’ve gone a gallop and he’s won like that,” Kent remarked.
Despite Warmonger’s busy three-year-old campaign, which included trips to Adelaide and Brisbane, Kent stressed the importance of assessing the situation and letting the horse guide their next steps.
“We’ll just take stock, enjoy the moment and let him tell us,” he concluded.