Perth visitor Malibu Style goes to a stakes race at Caulfield with the benefit of one Melbourne experience under his belt.
His trainer Neville Parnham hopes that will stand him in good stead in Saturday’s Listed Bel Esprit Stakes (1100m) on Saturday.
Malibu Style started his Melbourne campaign with a second to Crystal Dreamer in a 1000m handicap at Caulfield on April 8.
“He’s been in Melbourne for a few weeks now,” Parnham said.
“He’s had a look at that track now, the extra 100 metres should suit and he’s had a couple of more weeks to get a bit fitter.”
Parnham campaigned three-year-old filly Ellicazoom in Melbourne during the autumn carnival with the filly placed twice in stakes races.
Ellicazoom has since been sent for a spell after finishing last in the Alexandra Stakes at Moonee Valley in March.
Malibu Style didn’t travel over with Ellicazoom, joining the filly just before her last start.
Parnham said Malibu Style was delayed in his preparation for the Perth sprints earlier in the year and he thought a Melbourne campaign was a good option.
“He didn’t come over with her (Ellicazoom) but when we thought we might be extending her preparation I sent him across,” he said.
Parnham will be guided by Malibu Style’s performance on Saturday before deciding where to go next.
He said there were options in Melbourne and Adelaide although he has all but ruled out running the five-year-old in next month’s Group One Goodwood at Morphettville.
“At this stage Adelaide is an option but the Goodwood is probably just a bit out of his depth because of the conditions,” Parnham said.
“There are other lead-up races that could be suitable but there’s also a couple of races after this one at Flemington, an open sprint over 1000 metres and a straight six, that look good options.
“We’re probably likely to give him another couple of runs after this if he goes well enough.”
Parnham’s son Steven, who rode the gelding last time out at Caulfield, will have the mount on Saturday.
