German import Schabau will head for a spell after completing a winning hat-trick in the Roy Higgins Quality at Flemington.
Trainer Robert Hickmott said after Saturday’s victory the 2019 Melbourne Cup was a realistic spring aim.
Ridden by Craig Williams, Schabau, the $1.50 favourite, defeated Naval Warfare ($4.80) by 3-3/4 lengths with Top Of The Range ($7) three-quarters-of-a-length away third.
Part of Hickmott’s plan towards the Melbourne Cup is via the Bart Cummings at Flemington in October which gives the winner automatic entry.
“A Melbourne Cup would be fantastic and that’s what we bought him for,” Hickmott said.
“We’re very lucky to have a horse that’s adaptable and has come through without any issues.
“He goes to the paddock now for four or five weeks and then prepare for the spring.”
Having his first ride on the stayer, Williams was impressed with his attitude and mannerisms through the race and believes he could be a lightweight Melbourne Cup contender.
“It’s great to win the race named after “The Professor” and I think that passes some clauses towards the Melbourne Cup,” Williams said.
“Will he measure up? We’ll find that out come November but he’s got so much upside.
“Mark Zahra obviously has first call being two for two on him but if he’s not in his weight range then he’s definitely one I want to be with.”
