Trainer Peter Moody and jockey Luke Nolen, who last week celebrated their 900th win together, will try to extend their long-running partnership with another feature win, most likely in the Cranbourne Cup.
Nolen is booked to partner the Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman-trained Saban in the Listed Cranbourne Cup (1600m). Nolen has yet to win the race, while Moody lifted the trophy in 2007 with Emerald Jack, ridden by Damien Oliver.
Their 900th combined success came midweek at Caulfield Heath with Cooly, and Nolen noted that winning the Cranbourne Cup would be a fitting moment given he lives in Pearcedale, only minutes from the track.
Saban resumes after a break, returning from two strong Sandown victories over 1800m during early winter. He is also among the acceptors for Sunday’s $200,000 Kilmore Cup (1600m), with Nolen set to ride him there as well.
Moody said Saban was deliberately held back from deeper spring assignments and was instead aimed at the summer feature races.
“He had a nice break after he had a good campaign last time around,” Moody said.
“The form around him last time, I thought, was as good as anything in this race and I’d expect him to go there and run well.
“I’ve put him in the Kilmore Cup as well as an option, but I thought the Cranbourne Cup, for a horse with his form around the likes of Sayedaty Sadaty and Earlswood and those types of horses, it’s a race that could be well within his grasp.
“He’s had a couple of nice trials, and the 1600 metres is a nice kick-off point for him.”
Saban is one of nine horses nominated for both the Cranbourne Cup and the Kilmore Cup.
The latter drew a full field of 14, while Cranbourne’s Cup has 16 runners plus two emergencies.
The dual acceptors include Warnie, El Rocko, Regal Zeus, Bank Maur, Sabaj, Verdad, Pondalowie and Scheelite.
Moody said the gelding’s summer aims remain flexible.
“There are some races in Sydney leading up to and around Christmas that might suit,” Moody said.
“This is a starting off point, either Saturday or Sunday, I’m thinking Saturday, but I’m keeping an open mind about his campaign, but he’s ready to run, and run well.”
