Trainer Lloyd Kennewell has some thinking to do after Meridius appreciated a class drop with success at Sandown.
The Cranbourne-based horseman must decide whether to take Meridius to Queensland for the later part of the Winter Carnival or send the gelding for a spell to concentrate on the Magic Millions Carnival in January.
Coming back in class from the Group 1 The Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville, Meridius took out the Stow Storage Solutions Handicap (1400m) on Saturday.
With Billy Egan in the saddle, Meridius ($20) scored a three-quarter length win from the $3.40 favourite King Zephyr with Big Swinger ($5) a further two lengths away third.
Kennewell has ruled out the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm next month, but the Eyeliner Stakes at Ipswich and the Glasshouse Stakes at the Sunshine Coast are under consideration.
“He could spell up there and then come back home, so there is pro’s and con’s for both, a trip up, or a spell at home,” Kennewell said.
“So, if the owners want to pay for a flight, I might take him.
“I really want him for January, which means he would get a good break, and he can come back and get ready when the spring’s finishing.
“He can knock a race over here and then go for the Magic Millions absolutely primed.
“January comes around quick, so I want to do the right thing by the horse.”
The Magic Millions Cup at the Gold Coast over 1400m is the long-term race Kennewell is eyeing.
Meridius finished second in the race two years ago.
“It’s a big race for him, the Magic Millions Cup,” Kennewell said.
“It’s worth a lot of money, so I don’t want to go too far now, but at the same time, I’m being realistic.
“I wouldn’t go for the Stradbroke, but I might go for the Eyeliner and the Glasshouse.
“I’m very happy with this horse and he deserved that today.
“He didn’t have any luck in The Goodwood. He drew one which was like 16 on the day.
He ran the fastest, or second fastest last 600 metres of the race, and how he went around at 25-to-one today, I don’t know.”
Kennewell missed out on a double for the day when Landmark was narrowly touched out in the Thoroughbred Club Of Australia Handicap (1000m).
“I had a multi going, and it was an absolute motza,” Kennewell mused.
