Former Perth galloper Lite’n In My Veins looms as one of the main contenders for the Listed Chester Manifold Stakes at Flemington as the gelding chases his first Melbourne win.
Formerly trained by Fred Kersley, Lite’n In My Veins has had three Melbourne starts for Aaron Purcell including a last-start second to Ozi Choice over 1400m at Sandown late last month.
“He had two runs in the spring and the first one was really good and then in his second one he pulled up with a bit of a throat infection,” Purcell said.
“We gave him a bit of a break and he’s had one run back at Sandown the other day and went quite well but just found one better on the day.
“Ozi Choice dictated the speed, kicked strongly and kept running. He made a run from back in the field and beat the rest quite comfortably, so it was quite a good run.
“He’s trained on well and we expect him to run well on Saturday.”
Ozi Choice is also among the 19 nominations for Saturday’s Listed 1400m race and is also entered for the rich Magic Millions Cup at the Gold Coast.
Lite’n In My Veins was a dual Group Three winner in Perth earlier in his career and has won five of his 18 starts with his most recent win coming in October 2016.
“He’s a tall, athletic type of horse who doesn’t need a lot of work but when he gallops he gallops well,” Purcell said.
“He works like a Group horse. It’s a Listed race on Saturday and it’s not going to be easy for him but I’m quite sure he’s up to it as long as things work out for him.”
Gold Symphony and Burning Front head the weights for the Listed Chester Manifold Stakes on 60kg while Dollar For Dollar has 59kg.
Lite’n In My Viens has 55kg, with acceptances for the Flemington meeting to be taken on Wednesday.
