Trainer Brent Stanley will look to set The August for a spring campaign after the colt remained unbeaten in his city debut at Flemington.
The August ($3.30), ridden by Noel Callow, held on to defeat Good ‘N’ Fast ($19) by a short half-head in the Eugene Gorman Handicap (1100m).
The win backed up The August’s debut victory in the Donald Classic (1200m) last month and Stanley plans to give the colt a break with a view to spring.
“He gave himself a couple of excuses to get himself beaten today but he still won, which is a good sign,” Stanley said on Saturday.
“We’ll probably tip him out now. I think 1400 metres to a mile is going to suit him down to the ground.
“He travelled strong, had to push out and muster through. It was a good win.”
Stanley said he was concerned mid-race when The August was awkwardly placed behind the leaders but Callow was able to take the colt through a gap to hit the front before debutant Good ‘N’ Fast charged home out wide.
Scottish Rogue ($9.50), who had won his past two starts, finished another 1-1/4 lengths away.
“I think (The August) proved today he’s an above-average horse,” Stanley said.
“He’ll only need a few weeks out in the paddock. I’ll just have to pinpoint some races and hopefully he improves to get to them.”
Credit: AAP