Apple Isle plans for English import
Danny O'Brien is planning a Tasmanian Cups assault with imported English galloper Reputable.
Formerly trained in England by Luca Cumani when he was named Gold Option, Reputable posted his third Australian win in succession when he resumed in Saturday's Ian Miller Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield.
His campaign was delayed when a bout of hives prevented him racing at Moonee Valley on December 27, but he could not have been more impressive on Saturday winning by a length from Flagstaff and Greatwall Of China.
A five-year-old, Reputable has now won five of his 13 starts including victories at Newmarket and Sandown in England.
O'Brien's assistant trainer Gino Mata said Reputable was an emerging stayer and a relaxed tempo allowed him to show his class in a testing first-up assignment.
"When he got hives he broke out in lumps everywhere but we were able to keep the work up to him with Tasmania in mind," Mata said.
The Hobart Cup (2200m) on February 9 and the Launceston Cup (2400m) on February 25 are his primary autumn goals.
"His maternal grandsire The Minstrel won an English Derby and we have always wanted to get him to a mile and a quarter (2000m) and a mile and half (2400m) in better grade races," Mata said.
By Virtual Form Guide
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Photo by Bruno Cannatelli, to view Bruno's website click here
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