Saban made it two from two over 1800m at Sandown with a strong finish in Saturday’s Sportsbet More Places Handicap, leaving his trainers considering a shift in trip.

Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman now face a choice—drop him back to 1600m for the Listed VRC-CRV Winter Championship Final (1600m) at Flemington on July 5, or test him again over 2000m.

Apprentice Luke Cartwright, who guided the $5.50 chance to victory, believes 1800m is his sweet spot.

“He likes a mile… 1800 metres is his prime distance,” Cartwright said.
“Maybe now is the time to try him over 2000 metres to see if he gets it.”

Saban surged from midfield to win by a long neck over Earlswood ($10), with favourite Sayedaty Sadaty ($4.60) finishing third.

Moody said Saban is finally delivering on early promise.

“He won a Listed race as a three-year-old… now that he’s matured and strengthened up, he’s starting to hit his straps.”