Monday, 19 November 2007: Tough galloper Royal Ida may target richer races in Melbourne rather than try for a third Christmas Handicap at Cheltenham Park.
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The seven-year-old, prepared by Michael O'Leary at Mount Gambier, has won the Listed race in Adelaide the last two years, including last year with 60.5kg.
But with just $60,000 in prizemoney on offer and a hefty impost assured, O'Leary may look to Melbourne for his end of year assignment.
The Standish Handicap, on New Year's day at Flemington, is worth $200,000 and proving tempting for O'Leary where he is likely to get a couple of kilos less.
Royal Ida 
ran another top race at Sandown on Saturday, with jockey
Dwayne Dunn having to race the gelding against his usual pattern on a day that was dominated on the pace.
He fought on well to finish just over a length from Gotta Have Heart in the Group 3 Sandown Stakes over 1400m.
The gelding has 14 wins from 33 career starts and a superb record at Cheltenham Park, with six wins and two placings from eight starts.
At Flemington he has started five times for a win and three minors, but he is yet to race on the straight track.
O'Leary said he will nominate for the Christmas Handicap and make a decision on wether to stay in Adelaide or go to Melbourne closer to the race.
