Linton in line for a Stradbroke Handicap start

Lloyd Williams’ cast off Linton will be tested at Group 1 level again when he heads to Brisbane for the Group 1 $1.36m AAMI Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm on June 8.

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Linton winning his 2nd R A Lee Stakes at Morphettville. Photo by Jenny Barnes.

Brothers Michael, Peter and Martin Talty purchased Linton from Williams who initially paid $275,000 for the grey in the NZB Ready To Run Sale in 2008.

While racing under the Williams banner, Linton was a winner at Group 2 level taking out the $200,000 Herbert Power (2400m) at Caulfield and the $200,000 Alister Clark Stakes (2040m) at Moonee Valley.

The Galileo gelding was also placed at Group 1 level in the $750,000 Australian Guineas (1600m) and the $1m Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington, as well as the $2.25m The BMW (2400m) at Rosehill.

The Talty brothers were rewarded with a quick return with Linton winning the Group 3 $150,000 R A Lee Stakes (1600m) at Morphettville in May in 2012 at his first run for the John Sadler stable.

Linton then raced unsuccessfully through the Spring before returning for a fifth over the unsuitable distanced of 1200m behind Black Caviar in this year’s Group 1 $400,000 Hacer Group William Reid Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on March 22.

A return trip to Morphettville saw Linton take out the Listed $80,000 Holdfast Insurance City Of Adelaide Handicap (1400m) at Morphettville on April 20 before winning a second R A Lee Stakes.

The new owners are happy to step the six year old back up to the top level while he is in winning form and head to Brisbane for the Stradbroke.

“I think he gets in pretty well at the weights,” said Michael Talty.

“His best distance is probably a mile but a fast pace and a bit of luck in running and you never know.”

“He’s had three starts in Adelaide for three wins and he ran in all the top weight for age races in Melbourne.”

“He is very honest, he only does what he has to but he gets there.”

Linton, who has earned just over $1 million in prizemoney from six wins and six placings from twenty-three starts, is currently a $51 chance for the Stradbroke Handicap.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.