Trainer Lloyd Kennewell faces a decision on whether to target a northern campaign or give Straand Deal a spell before the spring, following the gelding’s third consecutive victory at Sandown.

The win in the Sportsbet Same Race Multi Handicap (2400m) on Saturday marked Straand Deal’s maiden success at the distance, adding to his previous wins over 2014m at Morphettville and 2100m at Sandown.

The race was anticipated to be a clash between two promising, lightly raced stayers, with Simurgh setting a strong pace and Straand Deal ridden patiently by Billy Egan.

Straand Deal, sent off at $4.20, eventually wore down the $3.20 favourite Simurgh, securing victory by a head. Oceana Dream ($8) finished a further three-quarters of a length behind in third.

Kennewell indicated that the Listed Caloundra Cup (2400m) at the Sunshine Coast on July 4 would be a potential target if the decision is made to continue racing, otherwise the gelding would be rested to prepare for major spring assignments.

Last year’s Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup victor, Half Yours, achieved the Caloundra Cup prior to his successful Cups campaign.

“He’s a nice stayer in the making,” Kennewell stated.

“I’ll need to confer with Gerry Harvey regarding whether we aim for a Caloundra Cup or opt for a spell and a reset.

“He could be a horse capable of competing in a good race with a light weight, given his considerable untapped potential. He possesses a substantial reserve of stamina, and I’m contemplating whether pushing him further might be detrimental.

“I believe one must harbour significant ambitions in this sport, as opportunities to unearth a horse with Caulfield or Melbourne Cup potential are rare.

“While he may not ultimately be that horse, he could be, and inaction means we’ll never know.

“Overseas, individuals invest millions, and I have a horse here that has won three races consecutively and shows considerable promise.

“If I perceive he has reached his limit, I will cease training him on Monday, allowing him to spell alongside Mbube; otherwise, he might be on a path to Caloundra.”

Straand Deal’s victory capped a successful day for Kennewell, who also claimed the opening race, the Sportsbet Fastform Handicap (1000m), with the first-start winner Mbube.

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