Facile Tigre could step up to next year’s Stradbroke Handicap with trainer Jason McLachlan also eyeing the Sydney autumn carnival following the gelding’s successful Melbourne campaign.
Facile Tigre returned to Queensland on Sunday after starting three times during the spring in Melbourne for two wins and an unlucky second.
The five-year-old’s latest victory was in the Listed MSS Security Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on Melbourne Cup day.
“He should have been unbeaten in Melbourne,” McLachlan said.
“He got beaten a whisker at his first start at Caulfield but I felt he should have won that day.”
McLachlan believes Facile Tigre is yet to reach his full potential which he hopes will come next campaign.
“He’s a five-year-old but he’s only had 15 starts,” McLachlan said.
“People haven’t seen the best of him yet.
“He will go straight to the paddock for a well-deserved break.”
McLachlan hasn’t decided on Facile Tigre’s next campaign and wants to let the dust settle after his Melbourne success.
“I’m not sure what I’ll do with him yet,” he said.
“He’s had a great campaign over the spring and I’ll give him a good break before working things out.
“I’ve taken my time with him and he’s starting to repay us but I won’t rule out taking him to Sydney for the autumn.”
McLachlan is confident Facile Tigre will run a strong 1400 metres which could make the Group One Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm in June an ideal option.
“He’s silenced a few of his critics now and I’m sure he’ll eventually run 1400 metres,” McLachlan said.
“I’ll always remember Dad telling me he would make a good horse.”
McLachlan’s father, the late Bruce McLachlan, co-trained with his son towards the end of his training career.
The pair were in partnership when they won the Magic Millions Classic and Group One Golden Slipper with Phelan Ready in 2009.
Facile Tigre, a son of Catbird, was purchased for $120,000 from the Yarraman Park draft at the 2008 Magic Millions sales at the Gold Coast.
He now boasts the impressive record of seven wins and five placings from just 15 starts and earnings of $339,400.
AAP TURF
