Trainer Tom Dabernig is not shying away from the task confronting him with recent stable acquisition Aberfeldie Boy.
A former member of the Robbie Griffiths and Mathew de Kock stable before Griffiths had sole control of the stayer, Aberfeldie Boy will line up for his second run for Dabernig in the JRA Handicap (2000m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
Aberfeldie Boy had his first run for Dabernig during the Warrnambool Carnival, finishing seventh over 1700m.
Dabernig said he was still learning about the gelding but expects the 2000m to be a better trip for Alberfeldie Boy on Saturday.
Aberfeldie Boy has only one win to his credit after 19 starts with seven placings, including running third in the 2022 Victoria Derby at Flemington.
“He’s a horse that lost a bit of his early form and that’s why they sent him down thinking the beach might get him back going,” Dabernig said.
“He likes a bit of wet ground that we get over winter and getting over a bit of distance.
“He looks well, healthy and sound, so hopefully he can run well on Saturday.”
Dabernig said he had regularly utilised the beach at Warrnambool while also taking Aberfeldie Boy to different tracks for jump-outs.
He said the Warrnambool race to kick off Aberfeldie Boy’s stint at his new home was short of his preferred trip, but it was convenient with no travel.
“It was a kick-off race, and John Allen was happy with the run,” Dabernig said.
“I’m still learning about the horse, and I would probably prefer him on the bigger track at Flemington, or Sandown as around Caulfield he may not be as effective, but the rise in trip will help him.
“They are always tricky these horses that have lost a bit of interest and whether you can get them back firing, but he could be a good pick up if he does.
“We haven’t done any jumping with him, and that’s something we can keep up our sleeve.”
