Forgot You (NZ) (Savabeel) will return to his favourite track to kick-start his latest campaign and in the process edge towards a start in the Cox Plate.
The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young trained galloper will run over 1500m at The Valley on Saturday in a Four-Year-Olds and Over Handicap and in the process attempt to remain unbeaten at that course.
Forgot You broke through for his maiden win over Saturday’s course and distance last September before going on to win the Gr.2 Stutt Stakes (1600m) later that month.
He returned to Moonee Valley in October to snatch a late win in the Gr.2 Vase (2040m).
Having not raced since finishing 13th in the Gr.1 ATC Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick in April, Forgot You has been given a slow and steady build-up for his racing return.
After finishing second in a Cranbourne barrier trial behind Passive Aggressive (Fastnet Rock) last week, Young said the stable thought it would be beneficial to take the entire to The Valley for a gallop on Tuesday morning.
“He’s had two jump-outs and he ran second behind Passive Aggressive in his last jump-out and finished off nicely, but he pulled-up and had a bit of a blow,” Young said.
“We thought bringing him here today, he might blow off some steam for Saturday and he might not get over-racing first-up.
“He scooted around really lovely and had his ears pricked to the line. Daniel Moor was really happy with him, and he was hardly blowing.”
Young said providing Forgot You wins, or runs well on Saturday, the ideal plan would be to head to the Gr.2 Feehan Stakes (1600m) at The Valley on September 3.
Success in that race provides the winner a ballot exemption into the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m).
“He’s filled out and got a little bit stronger as a four-year-old. He’s always been pretty good for a Savabeel colt, but this time in, mentally, he’s a lot more there,” Young said.
“I think we’ll see that on race day on Saturday.”
