Dornier will be partnered by Nikita Beriman in the Bagot Handicap
Trainer John Moloney hopes a return to the wide open spaces of Flemington can lead to another stakes race success for Dornier.
The last time the stayer raced at Flemington, the then three-year-old won the VRC St Leger in April.
On Monday, Dornier will chase another Listed victory over the same distance as the St Leger when he runs over 2800m in the Bagot Handicap.
Moloney has had Monday’s race earmarked for Dornier since he resumed from a winter spell in September.
While the gelding appeared to be struggling, Moloney said he was happy with how Dornier had progressed, especially since the application of blinkers to his gear three starts ago.
While finishing in the second half of the field in that 2040m-race at Moonee Valley, Moloney said the trip was a shade short and he didn’t enjoy a lot of luck.
There was considerable improvement at Moonee Valley last Saturday with Dornier finishing third, at $71, behind Dandy Gent, an opponent on Monday, over 2500m.
“He meets Dandy Gent better at the weights and conditions from Moonee Valley so I’m hoping that will help us over the longer trip and work in our favour,” Moloney said.
“We’ve been looking at this race all the way through and since we’ve put blinkers on him his form has been good.
“He ran well first time at Moonee Valley without luck and he then went to Pakenham and nothing can be described out of that race or any of the races because of the funny track.
“I’ve been happy with the horse, no problem, but I think he’s turned the corner since I put the blinkers on him.”
Dornier will be partnered by Nikita Beriman who rode the gelding to his last start placing at Moonee Valley.
Dornier is one of 14 runners in Monday’s race headed by last-start Pakenham Cup winner Like A Carousel while the Matt Cumani-trained lightly-raced stayer Etah James will be aiming for her fourth straight win at her first try at the distance.
