A first Saturday class win could herald a step up to Group company for Gresham, with the Queensland Guineas now on the radar.
The Chris Waller-trained three-year-old has hit form to win his past three starts and led all the way to beat Chalmers by 2-1/4 lengths in The Dark Horse Handicap (1500m) on Saturday.
Waller said there was a possibility Gresham could go to next week’s Group TwoQueensland Guineas (1600m) at Doomben.
“We’ll give some consideration to the Guineas in seven days,” Waller said.
“That win brings it into calculations.
“Alternatively we keep him here and race him in another two weeks. The Saturday prize money is so good and it’s about getting a return for the owners.”
Gresham, who is raced by Star Thoroughbreds, was ridden by Blake Shinn, who has a long association with syndicate head Denise Martin.
He rode Gresham’s sire Sebring to win the 2008 Sires’ Produce Stakes after missing the Golden Slipper-winning ride through suspension.
“It’s always great to ride in these colours,” he said.
“Denise and I go back a long way and this is a nice horse.”
Waller praised Shinn for taking the initiative in the race.
“I expected Blake to be positive but not necessarily to lead,” he said.
“But he got a soft lead so it was the right thing to do.”
Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au