A confidence-boosting win for Permit at Warwick Farm on Saturday had trainer Chris Waller evaluating options for the former French stayer.
He will be nominated for the Summer Cup (2400m) on Boxing Day but the handicapper will have the final say on whether he runs while long-term the Sydney Cup is a possibility.
A confidence-boosting win for Permit at Warwick Farm on Saturday - Photo by Steve Hart
Permit did his early racing in Australia under Mike Moroney in Melbourne before being sent north and was second in a dead-heat at his first start for Waller.
Permit ($4.60) displayed a powerful finish to win his first Australian race, the Schweppes Benchmark 80 (2200m), beating Scouting Wide ($8) by 1-3/4 lengths with Saint Saiala ($10) another half-length away third.
“Today was a step up to see where he was at,” Waller said.
“He trialled well but he needed a confidence win.
“He will be nominated for the Summer Cup but whether he runs will depend on whether he gets a fair weight.
“If he goes up too much then he won’t run.”
Permit won two races in France over 2400 and 2800 metres and was also placed over 3000 metres.
Scouting Wide carried 61.5kg after Sam Clipperton’s three-kilo claim and trainer Tim Martin was thrilled from a Summer Cup point of view.
“He will drop in weight to about 56 and a half,” he said.
“I’m very happy from a Summer Cup point of view with how he went.
“Jim Cassidy goes on in that race and he will suit this horse.”
The Group Three Summer Cup (2400m) is at Rosehill on Boxing Day.
AAP TURF
