French import Darbadar is ready for his first Australian racing experience with trainer Saab Hasan keen to kick off a long range plan to get him to next year’s Melbourne Cup.
His first step is a benchmark 84 handicap over 1600 metres at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
The Flemington-based Hasan will take Darbadar to the track on Tuesday to give the five-year-old a look at the unique circuit.
Darbadar came to Australia around nine months ago and is into his second preparation with Hasan who said it was his involvement with another European, Voila Ici, and his part-owners Glenlogan Park Stud, which led to the horse joining his stable.
Jon Haselar, of Glenlogan Park, was looking for a small hands-on trainer and was impressed with Hasan’s handling of Voila Ici.
After giving Darbadar his initial preparation, Hasan recommended the gelding of a then “boisterous colt”.
Darbadar impressed Hasan with a second placing in a Cranbourne trial over 1550m on November 10 behind Tommy Two.
He said European stayers came to Australia a little one-paced and as such he was training him to get some sprint into his legs.
“He had two jump-outs over 800 metres at Flemington and didn’t get warm,” Hasan said.
“We put the blinkers on him in his trial and he went very well.
“He’s got a lovely cruisy action and the further he goes the better he’ll get.”
He says the gelding has really come on in the past month month and he believes he has something special to work with.
“He’s been a bit of a handful but we’ve worked him out now,” Hasan said.
“He’s still acclimatising to Australia as his coat still hasn’t come right out but he’s ready to go to the races and have a day out.”
Craig Williams will ride Darbadar at the Valley.
Tommy Two is also among the 27 nominations for the Moonee Valley race with another former European, London Stripe, the top rater on 86.
