Entering his third season down under, Birdman trained by Chris Waller could be on the verge of displaying the potential his owners spotted when they bought the young horse from Ireland.
The gelding triumphed in his initial two outings over long distances and was acquired by a group of owners that includes Ozzie Kheir and John O’Neill aiming eventually for a possible Melbourne Cup victory.
Melbourne Cup eluded Birdman last year, yet his current campaign’s pair of efforts suggest he might be progressing towards a crack at the November event this time around.
The upcoming Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield this Saturday represents the following target for Birdman following his success in the Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on February 28.
Jockey Ben Melham noted that the gelding’s recent two showings indicate Birdman has fully adjusted to Australian racing and anticipates further improvement.
“It took him a little while to settle in and we’re starting to see the best of him now,” Melham said.
“I feel he’s gone to a new level this preparation and can continue that upward trajectory.
“He’s a happy horse and seems to have really fitted in here now.”
The Peter Young Stakes serves as a pathway towards a likely entry in the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on March 28, where stablemate Buckaroo is also bound.
Buckaroo lines up alongside Birdman in the Peter Young Stakes this Saturday, having sat out the All-Star Mile at Flemington last weekend after a scope revealed minor mucus on race day morning.
With Mark Zahra sidelined by suspension, Jye McNeil returns to ride Buckaroo on Saturday.
McNeil was on Buckaroo for his runner-up finish in the Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield last month before switching to Leica Lucy for the All-Star Mile.
Buckaroo worked at Caulfield on Tuesday, and McNeil was pleased with the gelding’s extension post his slight issue.
“He felt amazing,” McNeil said.
“He towed me throughout his work. He was really sharp and he seems in great order.
“He was free in his action and pulled up fine after the gallop, so there’s no indication of there being anything wrong with him.
“It’s great to get the opportunity on him second-up and the rise is distance to 1800 metres is going to be right up his alley.
“He seems to love it at Caulfield and I’m excited to get the chance to ride him again.”
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