As a juvenile Drago showed untapped potential and underlined his credentials as a possible Victoria Derby contender.
On Saturday, the Anthony Cummings-trained colt will take the first step towards delivering on his promise when he resumes in the Group Three Up And Coming Stakes at Warwick Farm.
Drago - Photo by Steve Hart
The 1300m journey is short of his best trip but regular jockey Peter Robl has no doubt the colt’s class can override the distance negative.
“You’ve got to be mindful that he is first-up over 1300 metres but he is progressing nicely,” Robl said.
“He is definitely a winning chance.
“He will improve with the run and he will appreciate further but he has the ability to win this race on Saturday.”
Drago started four times as a two-year-old, finishing fourth in both the Group One ATC Sires’ Produce and Champagne Stakes before scoring a resounding four-length victory over 1800m in May.
His victory came in the same race in which stablemate Fiveandahalfstar finished third a year earlier before returning in the spring to win the Victoria Derby.
Cummings has similar hopes for Drago and Robl has no doubts the three-year-old has the makings of a Group One galloper.
He also says Drago has made physical and mental improvement from the autumn.
“He has definitely come back a more mature horse,” Robl said.
A field of 11 was accepted for the Up And Coming Stakes including the Gai Waterhouse-trained pair of Pitcrew and War and Champagne Stakes runner-up Fuerza.
