Nigel Blackiston has continued his affinity with the Provincial Plate at Flemington and hopes for even greater success in the future with lightly-raced Menados.
Menados brought up Blackiston’s third win in the $100,000 Provincial Plate (1630m) on Saturday and the trainer said he believed the son of Zabeel was an exciting galloper in the making.
Blackiston had previously won the event with Another Trick in 2002 and Woodwin in 2009.
Sent out the $3.60 favourite, Menados had a wide barrier (13) to contend with but Blackiston was adamant Steven King should ride the gelding quietly with a view to the future.
“I spoke to Steven and I said don’t change anything because later on I want him to relax to get over longer distances,” Blackiston said.
Menados settled well back in the field before coming to the outside and was able to fight off New York ($10) to win by three-quarters of a length with 3-1/4-lengths to Academy Jack ($5) third.
Blackiston said Saturday’s race had been the target for Menados this campaign but he would target the Winter Championship Final over the same course and distance in two weeks.
“If he has enough points I’ll run him in the Winter Championship and if not he’ll go to a 2000 metre race at Caulfield the week after,” Blackiston said.
“He’ll then have a little break and come back later on in the spring.
“I’ve got no big plans for him right now but maybe this time next year.”
Blackiston labelled Menados, who took his record to four wins from six starts, as an exciting horse to have in the stable.
The Flemington trainer enjoyed Group One success with Littorio who won a Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington and BMW (2400m).
“This horse possibly doesn’t have the brilliance but he’s got a lot of raw talent and nurtured the right way, I think he’ll come good,” the trainer said.
