Injury robbed Lidari of a chance in a feature Sydney mile during the spring but he has earned a shot at redemption with a victory at Flemington on Saturday.
Lidari’s win in the Group Two Blamey Stakes (1600m) has trainer Peter Moody considering next month’s $3 million Group One Doncaster Mile as an autumn target.
“We took him to Sydney for the Epsom last year and he kicked out on race morning and hurt himself,” Moody said.
“He’s a good quality galloper.
“He’ll head north but where I run him next, I’m just not sure.
“I’d like to be in the Doncaster, whether it’s after one or two more runs, we’ll just let him guide us.”
Lidari’s spring form included a close third to Fiorente in the Group Two Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes at Moonee Valley.
Unplaced first-up in the Futurity Stakes, Lidari ($6.50) took up the running in Saturday’s event which was dominated by the on-speed runners.
He got into a good rhythm for Luke Nolen and kicked strongly in the straight to defeat Foundry ($3.30) by a length.
Favourite Sertorius ($3.10) was outsprinted but closed late for third another three lengths away.
Moody has done plenty of work teaching Lidari to settle and believes it is starting to reap rewards.
“I’ve got no doubt he’s a better horse ridden a bit quieter off a good speed but Luke did what he had to today to win the race,” Moody said.
