AN impressive track gallop by Tarquin at Warrnambool on Tuesday morning has Simon Ryan buoyant about the hopes of the six-year-old in a $125,000 open handicap at Flemington on Saturday.
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Talented apprentice jockey Fred Kersley, who rode Tarquin to victory at Caulfield three starts ago, rides the imported stayer for the Warrnambool-based trainer in the 2000-metre race.
“My brother Adam rode Tarquin in a track gallop on the course proper the other morning and reported the horse is great condition,” Ryan said.
“Adam has a great understanding of Tarquin because he rides him each morning. We’re using this start as a maintenance run as we’re heading to the Mornington Cup on March 23.
"We decided to give Fred the ride again even though it’s a non-claiming race. He’s had a few rides on Tarquin for a win and couple of handy runs.
"The horse has been handicapped to carry 61.5kgs. It’s a bit of weight and will possibly take its toll in the final stages of the race.”
Fellow local trainer Aaron Purcell accepted with his lightly-raced stayer Instigator, who is having his second run from a spell in the same race as Tarquin. Group 1 winning stayer Trap For Fools runs for Jarrod McLean in the Australian Cup.
Brave Tango, trained by former Crossley trainer Mitch Freedman, is attempting for three consecutive victories when he lines up in a restricted race over 1400 metres.
Ciaron Maher, who trains in partnership with David Eustace, has numerous runners at the big Australian Cup – Newmarket Handicap meeting including Voodoo Lad and Bons Away in the $1.25 million Newmarket, while Night’s Watch and Yogi run in the $1.5 million Australian Cup.
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