The benefit of a run over a longer distance has shone through for Inverloch in the Group Three Easter Cup at Caulfield.
Inverloch was dropped back to the 2000m journey of Saturday’s race after finishing second behind Mirimar over 2400m at the track a week ago.
Jockey Michael Dee adopted brave tactics aboard Inverloch from the 800m mark, opening up a break on his opposition before the turn.
The move worked as Inverloch, a heavily supported 4.20 favourite, held off a late bid from $101 outsider Midterm by a half neck with Savacool ($19) 1-1/4 lengths away third.
Natalie Young, who trains the gelding in partnership with Trent Busuttin, said the drop in distance combined with a drop in weight from last Saturday had played a significant role in Saturday’s success.
“It was a great effort,” Young said.
“He has come back in distance and won before and it is important to get going early on him, at about the 800 metres, is when you need to get working on him.
“The weight relief today compared to last Saturday was a positive as I think the weight got to him last Saturday.”
Young said the stable would consider their options with Inverloch with where to head next with the gelding.
A race over 2100m at Sandown in coming weeks could be considered while the Andrew Ramsden Stakes (2800m) at Flemington next month may also be an option.
“He’s getting up in the ratings now so we can see what he’s all about there and have a spring option,” she said.
The Young and Busuttin team was also represented by Salsamor who like Inverloch was on the quick back-up after scoring at Caulfield last week.
After racing on the speed, Salsamor ($5) weakened to finish in 11th position.
“We had a question mark over the week back-up, but we had to have a crack and see how we’d go,” she said.
