Trainer Chris Calthorpe is considering heading to Tasmania with Fighting Arrow after a narrow win at Moonee Valley.
The Group 3 Hobart Cup (2400m) on February 6 will now be considered for the gelding following his victory in the McMahon’s Dairy Handicap (2040m) on Saturday.
Ridden by Blake Shinn, Fighting Arrow ($4.80) scored a short-half-head win from Marcolt ($8.50) with Bold Bourbon ($18) a half-length away third.
Calthorpe, who also owns the Victorian-based Air Horse Transport, said he hoped that he had not missed nominations for the Hobart Cup.
A year ago, the Symon Wilde-trained Aurora’s Symphony ran second in the corresponding race at Moonee Valley before going on the claim the Colac Cup and the Group 3 Launceston Cup (2400m) in his two subsequent outings.
“We might have a throw at the Hobart Cup, if I haven’t missed the noms,” Calthorpe said.
“We’ll see what we can do, but now is probably the time to run him at 2400 metres and find out if he can run it.
“I should be able to get him on a plane down there, so if he pulls up good, we might have a throw at the stumps.”
Saturday’s race was benchmark 70 grade, but Calthorpe said the gelding was deserving of his victory after placings at Werribee and Moonee Valley, finishing third on both occasions, before a last start second to Princess Rhaenys at Flemington.
“He’s an honest horse, he gives you everything he’s got. He’s so laid back at home, everyone loves him,” Calthorpe said.
“We paid $4000 for him as a weanling, and we’ve now picked up a nice race in town.
“He’s had a faultless prep but for some luckless runs.”