Sertorius’ performance in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on October 4 will decide the path that he follows for the rest of the 2014 Spring Racing Carnival, but trainer Jamie Edwards believes that the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) will most likely the major target for the talented stayer.
Sertorius won over the 2400 metre course at Caulfield in the Zipping Classic during the 2013 Spring Racing Carnival. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
Edwards revealed last month that both the Caulfield Cup on October 18 and the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley the following weekend were both on the agenda for Sertorius, but the rising trainer told Racing Ahead that the Caulfield Cup under handicap conditions may be the most suitable race for the gelding that has already won over 2400 metres at Caulfield in the 2013 Group 2 Zipping Classic (2400m).
“He will go to the Memsie first-up and then go to the Makybe Diva and the Turnbull,” Edwards said.
“Then we will make a decision where we head to for the spring after the Turnbull, whether we run him in the Cox Plate or go to the Caulfield Cup.
“The horses 2400 metres form is outstanding at the highest level and we will probably head to the Caulfield Cup, but it all depends on how he runs in the Turnbull.
“This will be his best prep.”
Sertorius was given a testing campaign in both Melbourne and Sydney during the autumn and the son of Galileo had three tough runs at the end of the 2014 Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival in the Group 1 The BMW (2400m), Group 2 Chairman’s Handicap (2600m) and Group `1 Sydney Cup (3200m).
Edwards said that Sertorius had come through his first ever run over 3200 metres and revealed that he could not be any happier with the condition of the rising seven-year-old ahead of his 2014 Spring Racing Carnival campaign.
“He could not be any better,” Edwards said.
“He had a little jump out here at the Farm yesterday morning and it was probably as good as I have seen him go up the hill here.
“He is big and strong and if you looked at him you certainly wouldn’t think that he had his last start over two mile; he looks like a sprinter.
“He is big, strong, healthy and bright.”
Sertorius is currently available at a quote of $21 in the 2014 Caulfield Cup betting market with Ladbrokes Australia and is available at 2014 Melbourne Cup odds of $41.
