Trainer John Sargent believes seven-year-old Palmetto is only now reaching his best as he resumes in Saturday’s Captivant @ Kia Ora Handicap (1400m) at Rosehill.
A dual Listed winner in New Zealand, Palmetto claimed his first Australian black type in the Canberra Cup (2000m) in March, adding to lucrative 2023 wins in The Coast (1600m) and Five Diamonds Prelude (1500m).
Sargent has mapped an early spring program through the Chelmsford Stakes and Feehan Stakes, with a potential step back to 2000m later in the prep.
“He has finally matured being a New Zealand-bred horse and being slow maturing,” Sargent said. “His trials have been super and I’d expect him to run well on Saturday.”
Stablemate Vetwelve also heads to Rosehill for the Midway Handicap (1500m) after winning at Kembla Grange with blinkers applied.
“He runs on speed, he’s fit and he’s ready to go,” Sargent said.