Aaron Purcell is daring to dream big with stable newcomer Constantinople.

Former Coolmore galloper Constantinople arrived in Melbourne for a Cups campaign as a leading hope.

Purchased by a large syndicate of Lindsay Park clients, Constantinople ran an unlucky fourth at his Australian debut in the 2019 Caulfield Cup then was second favourite in the Melbourne Cup, finishing in the second half of the field.

Unfortunately for those Lindsay Park clients, Constantinople failed to deliver in seven subsequent starts and the decision was made to sell the son of Galileo.

Warrnambool trainer parted with $70,000 to secure Constantinople and the gelding has his first start for his new owners in the Listed Heatherlie Stakes (1700m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

Purcell is daring to dream but is realistic enough to know that Constantinople may not reach the heights expected when he reached Australian shores.

“We have a heap of plans, but which path we take will be reassessed after each run,” Purcell said.

“He’s had good ability in the past and we’re hoping to get somewhere near that, and if that’s not happening then there’s plans, B, C, D and E.”

Constantinople holds a nomination in both this year’s Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup.

But Purcell purchased Constantinople with country cups in mind and in time as a jumping prospect, but he’s seen enough in his work to warrant looking higher, at least to start with.

“His work has been good, but I haven’t got him 100 per cent fit, but I think he’s fit enough to run 1700 metres,” Purcell said.

“He looks well, and he should run well, but it is a strong race.

“It’s a big field with a heap of chances, so it’s not an easy race, but he should be competitive enough.

“Last preparation he pulled really hard and didn’t finish his races off, so what we want to see is him settle, travel kindly and work to the line.

“He gets around the place like a good horse and he’s trialled like an above average stayer so the dream stays alive.”

Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au