Birdman stamped himself as a Australian Cup hopeful with a powerful display in Flemington’s Stakes race.
This marked the gelding’s second outing this preparation in the Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) on Saturday for trainer Chris Waller, confirming the past UK performer is in excellent shape for autumn targets.
Ben Melham guided the $3.50 top pick to break clear inside the final 100m, scoring by 1-¾ lengths from runner-up Enxuto ($7) and half a head away Mark Twain ($101).
The gelding’s campaign opener came in the Listed Elms Handicap (1400m) at Flemington February 14, hampered by an inside alley.
Pre-race plans for Saturday emphasised keeping Birdman with room to move, instructions relayed to Melham.
Waller’s Darren Beadman reported the rider carried out the brief impeccably.
“Last start it didn’t work out from the inside draw, but today he held his line out of the gates,” Beadman said.
“He wasn’t the best to step away, but he kept that three wide line and dictated to a few runners around him.
“He let them know he wasn’t going to go over to the fence. He was seven lengths off the lead, and it was a pretty easy watch.”
The representative explained Birdman touched down from the UK with notable black-type wins, owners dreaming of the Melbourne Cup.
“He arrived in Australia about a year-and-a-half or two years ago with good credentials and a couple of wins, including the Queen’s Vase,” Beadman said.
“The owners were hoping to aim for the Melbourne Cup. He’s been very consistent and his was a great run in the Caulfield Cup last year.
“I guess, without speaking to Chris, the Australian Cup will probably be the ideal type of race for him.”
March 28 sees the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington.
Melham opined Birdman ought to have prevailed first time out, boosting his mindset for the Stakes clash.
“I feel that he will go to a new level this preparation,” Melham said.
“I love the feeling when he let down today.
“He’s a master, Chris Waller. This horse has really come into his own this preparation and he’s a gentleman to deal with and he’s got a motor to boot.
“That will hold him in good stead moving forward.”
Explore betting markets for the race featuring Birdman at reliable sports betting platforms.
