Not all horses can go on Winx like winnings streaks, but then again there are a large group that don’t break of restricted grade.
As the winner of a Group 2 race, expectations for the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained Grandslam have always been high.
Grandslam won the Alister Clark Stakes (2040m) at The Valley by 6-¼ lengths relegating handy stayers Young Werther and Explosive Jack into the minor money.
After two moderate performances as a well-fancied commodity, Grandslam returns to Caulfield on Saturday to run in the Neds Whatever You Bet On Handicap (2000m).
That course and distance was the scene of Grandslam’s most recent victory when he ran away to a 5-½ length win in the VOBIS Gold Heath (2000m) in April.
Grandslam followed that with a well-beaten fifth in the Listed Warrnambool Cup (2350m) on May 5 before finishing fifth to No Effort over Saturday’s course and distance on May 28.
Eustace said Grandslam did not handle the heavy conditions at Warrnambool while last start he was slow into stride and could not take up his favoured leading role.
“He is pretty one dimensional and we’ll let him stride however he jumps this time around while the more it dries out, the better for him,” Eustace told RSN.
“He looks terrific, and his work has been good, but he’s had a messy prep since his win at Caulfield. Warrnambool just didn’t work out as all.
“He’s a good work horse and he’s holding his weight well and we expect him to run a big race.”
Eustace said Saturday’s performance would guide the stable as to where they head with Grandslam in the months ahead.
He said options may include some better class staying races during the spring, or he may be put aside for a tilt at the Magic Millions Subzero (2200m) at the Gold Coast in January.
