The South Australian training partnership of Gary and Nichole Searle along with daughter Brianna Callanan are aiming for a Melbourne Cup appearance with Sir Kingsford.
Success in the Listed Andrew Ramsden (3200m) at Flemington this Saturday guarantees the victor a Melbourne Cup ballot exemption for the November highlight.
Nichole Searle experienced a glimpse of triumph in the Andrew Ramsden when Sir Kingsford competed at Flemington on the same day The Map claimed the Melbourne Cup qualifier back in 2024.
Searle journeyed with The Map’s co-trainer Oopy MacGillivray, and although absent from the track during the mare’s victory, she joined in the after-race festivities.
“Sir Kingsford ran earlier in the day, so I travelled over with Oopy and I know a few of the owners that live out Mallala way,” Searle said.
“There was this hype around her, and everyone was so excited, that she was going there, and then when she won, the hype in South Australia was just fantastic.
“I wasn’t there when the horse won, but when Oopy got back, we were out at Ballarat, we had a pretty good night of celebrations.”
The Map’s success inspired the Sir Kingsford camp to pursue a similar achievement.
Sir Kingsford took out the Port Adelaide Cup last year, yet the group chose to give the stayer a break following an extended campaign.
In the current preparation, Sir Kingsford is preparing for his sixth outing this year.
“We all want to try and emulate something like that, getting to a nice big race,” Searle said.
“Sir Kingsford is probably the sort of horse that can take that step, take us to a nice race.
“Hopefully, the Andrew Ramsden is that on Saturday.”
Sir Kingsford finished behind fellow Andrew Ramsden hopeful Alainge in the Port Adelaide Cup at Morphettville on May 2.
Searle noted that Sir Kingsford has progressed nicely since that effort and completed a gallop during the week with Teegan Voorham, his rider for Saturday, in the saddle.
“He’s had a few trips across now, so the travel shouldn’t bother him,” Searle said.
“He always eats pretty well, so fingers crossed all goes well with him.
“We thought we’d have a throw at the stumps and see where we land.”
Explore the betting markets for the race at Australian betting sites to find the best value on Sir Kingsford in the Andrew Ramsden Stakes.
