Kiwi stayer Platinum Invador (NZ) (Redwood) has plenty of lucrative targets in Queensland in the coming months after a strong performance to be beaten just over a length into second when lumping 61kg topweight over 1815m at Eagle Farm last Saturday.
It was the five-year-old gelding’s first run for local horseman Barry Lockwood, having transferred from Lisa Latta’s yard after finishing fourth in the Gr.1 Auckland Cup (3200m).
The son of Redwood will contest the Gr.3 JRA Chairman’s Trophy (2000m) on May 15 at Doomben and the Gr.3 Premier’s Cup (2400m) at Eagle Farm a fortnight later before connections decide between a start in the A$1.2 million Gr.2 Q22 (2200m) or the Gr.2 Brisbane Cup (3200m).
“They’re both run of the same day. He’ll have a couple of races before we get to that stage and then a decision will be made as to which race he runs in,” Lockwood said.
“It was a very good run last Saturday.
“He’s not flash to look at in the box but he hasn’t left an oat since he got here, he’s lovely.”
Raced by Neville McAlister and John Street’s Lincoln Farms, former New Zealand based rider Mark du Plessis is likely to ride the stayer throughout his winter campaign.
