Australian Bloodstock is regarded by many as the leading syndicator in Australian racing and director Jamie Lovett has a few reasons to be excited about the upcoming Spring Carnival, a key one coming from overnight.
Danceteria put his Cox Plate credentials on the table in a big way when winning his maiden Group l win in the Grosser Dallmayr-Preis at Munich overnight, a win which Lovett is hoping will secure a trip to Australia.
“He was very good last night,” Lovett told Justhorsracing.
“I spoke to Jamie (Spencer) after the race and he told me the horse didn’t like the ground at all and that it was class that got him home.
“He’s had a pretty busy prep so we’ll give him a few days rest and now it’s just a matter of getting a 2019 Cox Plate invite.
“If we do get that invite, he’ll fly over and run in the Caulfield Stakes (2000m) before the Cox Plate but if not, he’ll stay in Europe and contest Champion Days in Ireland and England.”
Another key overseas runner for the syndicate is Torcedor and he makes his return in a couple of weeks, something that Lovett is excited about.
“The stable is very happy with the way he’s going.
“He’ll run first up in the Grosser Preis von Berlin at Hopegarten before going to the German St Leger and if all goes to plan, he’ll run in the Melbourne Cup”
If both horses come to Australia, Jamie Spencer will ride both.
The weaponry isn’t just overseas. Australian Bloodstock has a couple of quality animals on the path to potential Spring glory, headlined by Sydney Cup winner Shraaoh.
“He’s come back super,” Lovett said.
“His main aim will be the 2019 Melbourne Cup but just have to figure out the path to get there but I can’t be happier with the way he’s going.”
Sixties Groove was close up in the Doomben Cup during the Brisbane Winter Carnival and Lovett says that the rising seven year old will get another chance at a Group l.
“He isn’t far off trialling.
“He likely heads to the Newcastle Cup or Wyong Cup first up before second up into the Metropolitan and in terms of a trip to Melbourne, his form will determine if that eventuates or not.”
Red Cardinal showed some promise early on in the Autumn under Kris Lees and is another that could well be heading down the Metropolitan path.
“We figured out last prep that he needs his runs spaced and it paid some dividends in the Autumn,” Lovett said.
“He trials in a few weeks and will head into the Newcastle Cup first up before the Metropolitan.”
Lovett also gave a good push for a few lesser class types that aren’t far off racing:
Agostos: “Really like him. He’s six months away from showing his best. He’ll run in a 64 at Newcastle next and hopefully go through his grades.”
Agent Pippa: “Isn’t much going around for her at the moment. Would like to get some blacktype with her so the Toy Show is likely where he’ll go. As for Thursday, (Coffs Harbour 800m), with due respect, it looks like it will be a barrier trial for prizemoney.”
Big Duke: “He’s ticking over nicely. His days of going towards the Melbourne Cup are probably over. A race like the Moonee Valley Cup would suit him.”
Attention Run: “If the rain comes, she’ll run on Thursday at Coffs. Just trying to get her ready for a race like the Wyong Cup.”
Aliferous: “She’s come back well. Not far off trialling. She’ll resume in the Tramway with her Grand Final being the Matriarch during Cup Week.”
