Robbie Laing-trained Polanski produced a strong staying performance to stamp himself as a Victoria Derby contender with an impressive victory in the Listed UCI Stakes (1800m) at Flemington this afternoon.
Polanski will head to the Norman Robinson Stakes and Victoria Derby after his impressive win in the UCI Stakes. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
Polanski received a lovely run just off the pace set by favourite Rockford, who faded in the final stages of the race, and kicked clear at the 300 metre mark before holding off the fast-finishing Epic Saga and Famechon to record a half a length victory.
Laing was delighted that the Rakti colt was able to bounce back from an unlucky run in the Group 2 Bill Stutt Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley last Friday to record his second career victory after he had his win in the Golden Fleece Handicap (1600m) during the autumn taken off him due to a positive swab.
“He ran a great race in the Danehill and never saw daylight at the Valley the other day,” Laing said after the race.
“He was very forward for today’s race and very fit and that was displayed by him letting go at the 600 and holding them off.
“He is a promising staying type; he can go all day.”
Jockey Dean Yendall was full of praise for the three-year-old and believes that he will continue to improve as he steps up in distance heading to the Victoria Derby.
“He is a definite trier and a nice horse to ride to go with that,” Yendall said.
“Robbie said to me before we went out that he didn’t want him primed for this race but the way he was bouncing around in the yard his feed may have gotten to him too quick.
“The horse went well; he settled well through the run and I produced him well into the straight and he was tough to the line.
“I reckon he is untapped; the more you ask him the more he gives.”
Laing confirmed that Polanski will follow the traditional path to the Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington on November 2 by running in the Group 3 Norman Robinson Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield in a fortnight’s time.
