After securing his first win in a stakes race, Tudor could chase further black-type success as soon as next week.
Tudor led throughout to claim the Listed Chester Manifold Stakes over 1400m at Flemington on Saturday and trainer Doug Harrison is considering a drop back to 1200m at Moonee Valley next week.
Tudor
Harrison said Tudor would be nominated for the Group Two Australia Stakes, a race in which he finished fifth last year.
“We’ll see what takes place,” Harrison said.
“He ran in it last year as a three-year-old and got buffeted around by (winner) Mourinho and then he came out and ran second to It Is Written in a Listed race.
“He just wants that little bit of luck to go with him.”
Fortune was on his side on Saturday with Harrison taking the advice of Darren Gauci and removing the blinkers from Tudor.
Tudor ($14) led throughout to score a half-length win over the favourite Tried And Tired ($3.80) with Zupacharged ($4.80) a length away third.
Harrison explained Tudor over-raced when fourth at Flemington on New Year’s Day.
The Chester Manifold win will boost Tudor’s prospects at stud and victory in the Australia Stakes would increase his value even further.
“He’s a lovely horse to do anything with,” Harrison said.
“He’s still a stallion but if you get horses like him, it makes training a delight.”
Harrison would like a Group One win next to the four-year-old’s name and may consider returning to Adelaide for the Goodwood in May after he finished eighth behind Flamberge last year.
Gauci said it wasn’t his intention to lead on Tudor as he was expecting more pressure.
But he found the lead, and fence, allowing him to run the race to suit himself.
“He gave a good kick on the turn and was strong to the line,” Gauci said.
“It’s good to see him back in form.”
Damien Oliver took riding honours for the day with a winning treble aboard Miss Softhands, Lucques and Second Bullet before being stood down by the doctor from his final ride aboard Bullpit.
