Eleven Eleven is set to break new ground for trainer Greg Hickman when he lines up in the Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley.
In a 30-start career that has seen Eleven Eleven register nine wins, the six-year-old will have his first start racing left-handed when he runs in the Group 1 sprint 1 over 1200m on Friday night.
Eleven Eleven has raced exclusively in NSW and Queensland to date and has not been seen since finishing last in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm in June.
The gelding has been a good money spinner for Hickman, collecting almost $3 million in prize money, courtesy of wins at the past three Magic Millions Carnivals.
Eleven Eleven arrived in Melbourne last Thursday and Hickman has set about getting the gelding to be comfortable on his right leg.
Hickman said Eleven Eleven had an exhibition gallop at Warwick Farm before leaving for Melbourne and the trainer took advantage of giving the gelding a look at Moonee Valley on Tuesday morning.
“He left a little bit of feed when he first got here but he’s back on it now and we have a happy horse,” Hickman said.
“I was really happy with the way he worked between races at Warwick Farm and he came out and reproduced that on Tuesday morning.
“I think we needed the time to let him settle in. He’s handled it well and I wanted to give him a run around Moonee Valley.
“Damian Lane said he was happy with the way he got around the track and I don’t think he should be as long in the market as he is.”
Eleven Eleven was a $15 chance with TAB after Tuesday’s draw, coming up with barrier seven and he will have the services of Hugh Bowman.
Hickman said it looked a perfect draw and the gelding will come into barrier five if the emergencies do not gain a start.
“And there is speed inside which will suit,” Hickman said.
“Group 1 races are never easy. You don’t want them to be easy races, but he’ll run well and it all comes down to luck on the day.”
Hickman said depending on Eleven Eleven’s performance on Friday night, the gelding may stay in Melbourne for the Group 1 Champions Sprint (1200m) at Flemington on November 5 or return to NSW to run in The Hunter (1300m) at Newcastle the following week.