Multiple blacktype winner Resortman is set to launch a last-ditch effort to secure a slot in The Quokka (1200m) in Saturday’s Group 3 Roma Cup (1100m).
Resortman won the Listed H.G. Bolton Sprint (1200m), Idyllic Prince Stakes (1300m), Farnley Stakes (1400m) and Group 3 Eurhythmic Stakes (1400m) in a marathon six-month campaign last time in.
The gelding finished second to Revitup in a trial at Lark Hill earlier this month and beat home talented gallopers Miss Conteki and Bustler in doing so.
Lane said he was happy with how Resortman had progressed through the early stages of his autumn campaign.
“Obviously he had that tearaway leader which probably isn’t ideal in a trial,” Lane told TABradio.
“We got out of it what we wanted to get out of it.
“He’s had a nice little break without losing too much fitness.
“He’s the same horse he went out basically.”
As well as the four feature race wins, Resortman was also placed in the Beaufine Stakes (1000m) and Lee Steere Stakes (1400m).
He also produced a brave performance when fourth in the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) under the topweight of 57kg.
While Resortman won his four feature races last time in over 1200m or further, Lane said he was confident he would be competitive over 1100m in Saturday’s Weight-For-Age event.
“Last time in he won the Bolton and ran a bottler first-up over 1000m,” he said.
“He’s pretty sharp over 1100 or 1200.
“You see in his trials he’s fairly sharp.
“He’s always wanted to get on with the job and been quite keen in his races.
“I’m looking forward to Saturday and I think he will run a great race.”
Brad Rawiller will return to Perth to team up with Resortman in the $200,000 event.
Lane said he hoped Resortman would catapult himself into contention for the $4 million Quokka on April 15 with a strong showing on Saturday, despite very little interest from slot holders so far.
“He’s one of those horses that I’m not sure they rate him as high as they probably should,” he said.
“I suppose I might be a little bias.
“I’m probably a bit surprised I haven’t had a bit more interest.”
