Dual-purpose performer Fieldmaster will tune up for his next jumps start by running on the flat at Flemington.
After opting not to begin Fieldmaster’s season in a flat race three weeks ago, trainer Patrick Payne took him to the Galleywood Hurdle at Warrnambool where the plan went pear-shaped.
The $2.80 favourite, Fieldmaster fell at the fourth last obstacle.
He escaped injury and lines up in the Banjo Paterson Series Heat 1 (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday as a lead-up to the Australian Hurdle (3400m) at Ballarat on May 31.
“He can pull out a good run fresh on heavy ground and I would have thought he had more of a chance three weeks ago than this time,” Payne said.
Payne said Fieldmaster raced keenly in the Galleywood and got confused in the lead-up to the jump that brought about his downfall.
“You could tell six strides out that he was unsure of what he was doing,” Payne said.
“The horse changed his mind at the last minute and went to jump but left a leg behind and tripped over it.”
Since the fall Payne has returned Fieldmaster to Warrnambool, giving the gelding a confidence boosting hurdle school on May 13.
Payne plans to tackle the major jumps races with Fieldmaster with the Grand National Hurdle at Warrnambool in July the ultimate aim.
