A spin around Moonee Valley in a track gallop has given emerging trainer Clayton Douglas the green light to press on with plans to run Shambo (NZ) (Shamexpress) at the course.
Shambo is an acceptor for the Ladbrokes Handicap (1500m) on Saturday and Douglas is using the contest as a potential guide to a bigger three-year-old prize.
Douglas is not getting too carried away, but like a lot of trainers with a promising three-year-old has the gelding entered in the Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) in October.
But first Douglas wants to see how Shambo goes on Saturday, his first try at a trip beyond 1200m.
“Like everyone else we’ve got him in the Caulfield Guineas,” Douglas said.
“If happened to win on Saturday, he may go to the Guineas Prelude, may be with a pair of blinkers on, but we’ll see how he goes Saturday and see how he measures up.
“There’s plenty of other options for him, even the Sandown Guineas at the back end of the spring could suit him.”
An improving Soft 6 track was music to Douglas ears after the three-year-old was given an easy time at Moonee Valley on Tuesday morning.
Even though Shambo had won on a heavy track at Echuca, Douglas is of the belief the gelding will be better suited on firmer footing.
And he thinks the rise to 1500m will be ideal for Shambo after running on from last at Sandown earlier in August when fourth behind the impressive Grand Impact.
“He won on a heavy track at Echuca but I don’t think he’s really effective on the real heavy ground and it was quite heavy on Tuesday morning,” Douglas said.
“But he had a look around which was important for him.
“I think he can run well. He ran some great sectionals first-up, ran as quick as the winner, and they’re talking good races for him.
“He’s pretty forward and fit and I expect him to be competitive.”
