Trainer Lloyd Kennewell is contemplating a northern campaign or a spell for Straand Deal to prepare for the spring, following the gelding’s third successive victory at Sandown.
This win in the Sportsbet Same Race Multi Handicap over 2400m on Saturday marked Straand Deal’s first at the distance, adding to his previous wins over 2014m at Morphettville and 2100m at Sandown.
The race was anticipated to be a contest between two lightly campaigned, developing stayers, with Simurgh taking the lead and Straand Deal being ridden conservatively by Billy Egan.
Straand Deal ($4.20) managed to wear down the $3.20 favourite Simurgh, crossing the line a head in front. Oceana Dream ($8) finished a further three-quarters of a length behind in third place.
Kennewell stated that the Listed Caloundra Cup (2400m) at the Sunshine Coast on July 4 would be considered if the decision was to continue racing. Otherwise, the gelding would be given a break to prepare for the significant spring races.
Half Yours, the winner of last year’s Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup, had claimed the Caloundra Cup on his path to his dual Cups success.
“He’s a nice stayer in the making,” Kennewell said.
“I will need to consult with Gerry Harvey regarding whether we aim for a Caloundra Cup or if I should cease training and reset.
“He could be a horse that fits into a good race carrying a light weight, as he has considerably more potential. He possesses a large stamina capacity, and I’m uncertain whether I should push him to his absolute limit.
“I believe one must harbour grand ambitions in this industry, as the opportunities to find a horse capable of reaching Caulfield or Melbourne Cup status are infrequent.
“He might not ultimately be the right horse, but he could be, and without trying, you will never know.
“People spend millions overseas, and I have a horse here that has won three races consecutively and is a promising animal.
“If I determine he has had enough, I will cease training him on Monday, allowing him a spell alongside Mbube; otherwise, he might be set for Caloundra.”
Straand Deal’s victory secured a double for Kennewell, who also won the initial race, the Sportsbet Fastform Handicap (1000m), with the debutant Mbube.
Explore the available racing odds at leading bookmakers.
