Now into his third Australian campaign, the Chris Waller-trained Birdman may just be about to show the credentials his owners saw when purchasing him as a young horse in Ireland.
A winner at his first two starts over staying trips, Birdman was purchased by a syndicate of owners including Ozzie Kheir and John O’Neill with a view to one day potentially winning the Melbourne Cup.
Birdman did not make last year’s Melbourne Cup but could be heading in the right direction for a shot at this year’s race in November if his two runs this campaign are any guide.
The Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield on Saturday is the next step on the radar for Birdman after winning the Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on February 28.
Jockey Ben Melham said the gelding’s past two performances had shown Birdman was now fully acclimatised to Australian conditions and is expecting him to continue on an upward spiral.
“It took him a little while to settle in and we’re starting to see the best of him now,” Melham said.
“I feel he’s gone to a new level this preparation and can continue that upward trajectory.
“He’s a happy horse and seems to have really fitted in here now.”
The Peter Young Stakes is a stepping stone to a potential start in the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on March 28, a race stablemate Buckaroo is also headed.
Buckaroo joins Birdman in the Peter Young Stakes on Saturday after missing the All-Star Mile at Flemington last week following a scope that showed a small amount of mucus on race morning.
With Mark Zahra suspended, Jye Mcneil will be back aboard Buckaroo on Saturday.
McNeil partnered Buckaroo when the gelding ran second in the Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield last month but was then switched to Leica Lucy in the All-Star Mile.
Buckaroo galloped at Caulfield on Tuesday morning and McNeil was happy with how the gelding stretched out after his minor setback.
“He felt amazing,” McNeil said.
“He towed me throughout his work. He was really sharp and he seems in great order.
“He was free in his action and pulled up fine after the gallop, so there’s no indication of there being anything wrong with him.
“It’s great to get the opportunity on him second-up and the rise is distance to 1800 metres is going to be right up his alley.
“He seems to love it at Caulfield and I’m excited to get the chance to ride him again.”
