
Highvol remains undefeated at Flemington after claiming Saturday’s Trevor Clarke Handicap (1400m), and trainer Nick Ryan has now set his sights on a Brisbane campaign featuring two major stakes races.
The lightly raced galloper had already impressed on debut with a win on Anzac Day and backed it up with a measured performance under Ethan Brown, scoring as the $3.10 betting companies favourite. He defeated Buccleuch ($12) by three-quarters of a length, with Warrior Smile ($13) in third.
Ryan confirmed Highvol is booked to fly to Queensland on Tuesday, provided he pulls up well from Saturday’s run.
“Fingers crossed he pulls up well and he’s on the plane into Queensland on Tuesday night,” Ryan said.
“He’ll be a late nomination for the Sires’ on Monday, so he’ll run in the Sires’ in two weeks and then into the J J Atkins.
“There’s a lot of upside. I’ve cruised along with him knowing he’s got a big four weeks ahead.
“We’ve just ticked a box getting through soft conditions today and he can put himself in a winning position, so that’s a second box ticked.
“Now we’ve just got to get him up there healthy and fit.”
Highvol will target the Group 2 BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes on May 31 and the Group 1 J J Atkins on June 14 at Eagle Farm.
As for the spring, Ryan isn’t ruling out the Caulfield Guineas but recognises the challenge of such a short turnaround.
“It’s a quick turnaround from the J J Atkins to the Caulfield Guineas,” he said.
“Not many horses have a good record at coming back for it, look at Broadsiding last year.
“It’s all performance based and how he pulls up. If not, we may look at a late spring and then on to the autumn.”
Punters can get involved in Highvol’s Queensland journey and find odds for upcoming features through the best Australian betting sites.