Promising sprinter Alfa Oro (NZ) (Bachelor Duke) will get the chance to prove himself at Group One level this autumn with trainer Matt Laurie eyeing a trip to Adelaide.
The five-year-old son of Bachelor Duke has long been considered a rising star, but is yet to taste success in stakes company.
His only attempt in that grade, a fourth in the Gr.2 Caulfield Sprint (1000m) came when he had come to the end of his preparation according to his conditioner.
Laurie is hoping that will change this preparation with Alfa Oro set to resume in the Listed Bel Esprit Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on April 17 with a plan of getting to the Gr.1 Goodwood (1200m) in Adelaide in May.
“He is probably a bit happier on the tracks with give. So hopefully by the time he is up and racing, that will be more likely to have those conditions,” Laurie told Racing.com.
“I’d love to have him ready for the Goodwood. It would fit in nicely. We could slot in two runs and then that race would be there ready for him.
“But he’s got to perform pretty well over here to go down that path. But he is certainly going to be ready with that in mind.”
Alfa Oro stepped back out in public last week, trialling impressively when finishing second at Cranbourne.
“He had a really good prep last time. He probably just had enough by the time he ventured to Caulfield that day,” Laurie said.
“I was happy with the jump out, he looked good in his action. He is a pretty burly horse, so he’s still got a bit of work to go yet.”
A graduate of the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale, Alfa Oro has won six of his nine starts with a further two placings.
