John Sargent is keen to head to Melbourne with the son of Burgundy
Trainer John Sargent is considering a tilt at the Cox Plate (Gr 1, 2040m) for Brandenburg (Burgundy).
The four-year-old, who is raced by Seymour Bloodstock, is currently spelling in Queensland following a third placed finish in the Doomben Cup (Gr 1, 200m) before he finished fourth in the rich Q22 (Gr 2, 2200m).
"He has just done over a week (spelling and he will do three weeks, then he will come back (to Sydney) to get ready for the spring. It is a tight turnaround," Sargent told RacingHQ.
"He will run in the early Group races over 1400 metres to a mile. He is owned down in Melbourne and the owners haven't seen him race there, so he will probably head down there. If he is up to it, he might be aimed for a Cox Plate.
"We know he can get the trip now, so that is probably what we are looking at long-term."
While pleased with his run in the Q22, Sargent believes he could have finished a lot closer to the Annabel Neasham-trained winner Zaaki (Leroidesanimaux) had they drawn a better gate.
"The draw probably cost him, he could have maybe run second," he said. "He had to be used early, but it was a good ride by Rachel (King, jockey).
"It was a good run on a firm track, he likes a bit of jar out of it.
"I think you will see a nice, strong horse come the spring. He will be at his peak."
