3 minute read
Imported galloper Earlswood has scored at Caulfield at his first Australian start.
Trainer Maddie Raymond has loftier plans for Earlswood after the imported galloper scored at his Australian debut at Caulfield.
The UK-bred galloper who raced successfully in Ireland, took out the Group 3 T S Carlyon Stakes (1600m) on Saturday at his first outing since September.
Raymond is now eyeing off the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on March 12 and has not ruled out running the son of pivotal in the $5 million All-Star Mile (1600m) the following week.
Ridden by Damian Lane, Earlswood ($12) scored a short-head win from Callsign Mav ($5) with Melbourne Cup placegetter Spanish Mission ($7.50) a half-neck away third.
"We're over the moon today," Raymond said.
"We've come here without a jump-out, so he's got plenty of improvement left in the tank.
"We're so lucky to get a horse like this through Jane Davies. We've got Wentwood and now a classy colt like this.
"It's very exciting going forward."
Raymond said the All-Star Mile was tempting with the $5 million prize money on offer but a more realistic target would be the Australian Cup.
She said the Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on March 5 could be a defining race.
"Obviously the All-Star Mile is a little bit tempting," Raymond said.
"We'll have a chat with Damian and the owners. We could go to a Blamey potentially and then the All-Star Mile and take the risk of him getting in.
"But I think he's an ideal Australian Cup candidate."
Lane said Earlswood would be better suited on a roomier track that Caulfield.
"He crabbed a little bit around the corner just getting used to a tight track like this, so a bigger track will suit him," Lane said.