The Salanitri stable concedes Midnight Glow still has a bit to learn, but the progressive stayer has one big thing in his favour ahead of Tuesday’s $300,000 VRC St Leger – the distance of the race.
The Listed event will be run over 2800 metres, which Frank Salanitri considers a huge asset for the son of Sebring.
“This race has always been on the radar, we’ve always had the impression he’d stick and I think he’s going to really relish stepping up to the 2800,” Salanitri, who is the brother of the gelding’s trainer John, said.
“He’s just still learning his racing smarts, he doesn’t know how to put them away and he’s still a raw product. He’s got to furnish and mature and strengthen up, mainly mentally.
“But that’ll come. The 2800 will be a different kettle of fish, I think he’ll stick it out and hopefully he’s the one to beat.”
Midnight Glow, who has had 13 starts for one win and five minor placings, heads into the St Leger off a second placing in the Listed Galilee Series Final (2400m), when narrowly defeated by South Australian Derby hope Bengal Boy.
“The other horse just put his head down and stretched out and this guy hasn’t really learnt to do that yet,” Salanitri said of the Sandown defeat.
Luke Nolen was aboard in the Galilee Series Final and retains the ride in the St Leger, with Midnight Glow to jump from barrier two in the field of 12.
“He’s one of those big, long-striding animals and if he can get a bit of room when he wants it, it’s going to be better for him,” Salanitri said.
“If we can be in the running line – it doesn’t matter where, wherever he’s comfortable – and give him a chance to stick it out to the line he’ll give it a good shake.”
