A crack at Australia’s final Group One race of the season for two-year-olds is a possibility for Casino Fourteen if he can make an impression in his stakes debut at Flemington.
The Greg Eurell-trained colt scored an all-the-way on debut in a 1200m-maiden at Echuca on April 8, earning the step to Listed grade in Tuesday’s Anzac Day Stakes (1400m).
“This race was perfect timing to bounce from that Echuca race into this,” Eurell said.
“It depends on what he does tomorrow, but he may have the opportunity to head north after this.
“If he happens to win well and looks like he can take that next step then he could go to Brisbane.”
The J J Atkins Stakes (1600m) at Eagle Farm on June 10 is the season’s final Group One race in Australia for two-year-olds.
“That’s a race possibly on the radar for him,” Eurell said.
Casino Fourteen won by 1-3/4 lengths at Echuca after crossing from the widest barrier to lead.
“I think as he steps up in distance he’s going to be better suited,” Eurell said.
“The horse has come through his win really well and leads into this a very fit horse. And certainly the nice big track at Flemington is going to suit him.”
Eurell said Casino Fourteen was a big, strong colt who had shown raw talent from the beginning.
“He’s as strong as an ox,” he said.
“And to look at, he looks more like a four-year-old.
“He’s had raw natural ability and sometimes these big horses take a bit to mature and educate but to his credit he’s come to hand very well.
“Whatever he does now though is a bonus. The style of horse he is, he’ll make a better three and four-year-old.”
Craig Williams takes the ride on Casino Fourteen who is at $9 with Luxbet.
The $2.10 favourite Merchant Navy could give trainer Ciaron Maher back-to-back Anzac Day Stakes wins after Throssell won in 2016.
Casino Fourteen’s stablemate Miles Of Krishan will be on trial for the Group Two Queen Of The South Stakes in Adelaide when she runs in Tuesday’s Kokoda Track Handicap (1600m).
The Listed $200,000 VRC St Leger (2800m) is the feature on the card with Galilee Series Final winner Lycurgus being shaded for favouritism by Miss Strathallan who was runner-up in the Galilee Final.
