SIR Marengo's chances of winning his first metropolitan race will be enhanced if the three-year-old strikes a heavy track at Flemington on Saturday, according to Warrnambool trainer Aaron Purcell.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The New Zealand-bred galloper, who was purchased for $20,000 by Purcell in 2018, lines up in a $120,000 race over 2500 metres.
"We have not rushed Sir Marengo," the multiple group one-winning trainer said.
MORE RACING:
"He's a work in progress. He's only had the five runs and is still learning his craft.
"Sir Marengo lacks speed but will develop into a handy stayer with a bit of time under his belt. I think next year he could turn out to be a country cups horse.
"I'm hoping for a wet track on Saturday and that could give him a good place chance. His last run at Sandown was not too bad and he's meeting similar class horses at Flemington."
Sir Marengo, who broke his maiden status with a win at Geelong in May, is rated a $15 chance with bookmakers in the early betting markets.
Fellow Warrnambool trainer Lindsey Smith has Great Again, Garimperio and Reykjavik running on the nine-race Flemington program.
Smith, who has stables in Warrnambool and Perth, said his trio was in great shape leading into the respective races.
"I've very happy with my runners," he said. "They have not drawn the best barriers but I think they should be competitive."
Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michael Robb rides Smith's three runners.
Warrnambool's Matthew Williams saddles up Kuramae and Paul's Regret represents the Peter Chow stable, also out of the south-west.
The powerful Ciaron Maher and David Eustace training combination has multiple runners including the two last start winners Persan and Lord Belvedere.
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.