Brianna Callanan teams up with parents Gary and Nichole Searle in a South Australian stable eyeing a Melbourne Cup berth for Sir Kingsford.
The Listed Andrew Ramsden (3200m) at Flemington on Saturday offers the winner direct entry via a Melbourne Cup ballot exemption into the November spectacle.
Nichole Searle felt the Andrew Ramsden buzz firsthand with Sir Kingsford racing there the day The Map dominated the Melbourne Cup qualifier in 2024.
Accompanying The Map’s co-trainer Oopy MacGillivray, Searle missed the mare’s on-course success but revelled in the ensuing celebrations.
“Sir Kingsford ran earlier in the day, so I travelled over with Oopy and I know a few of the owners that live out Mallala way,” Searle said.
“There was this hype around her, and everyone was so excited, that she was going there, and then when she won, the hype in South Australia was just fantastic.
“I wasn’t there when the horse won, but when Oopy got back, we were out at Ballarat, we had a pretty good night of celebrations.”
The Map’s win galvanised the Sir Kingsford group to aim high.
After securing the Port Adelaide Cup last year, the stayer enjoyed a spell post a lengthy campaign.
This preparation sees Sir Kingsford on his sixth start.
“We all want to try and emulate something like that, getting to a nice big race,” Searle said.
“Sir Kingsford is probably the sort of horse that can take that step, take us to a nice race.
“Hopefully, the Andrew Ramsden is that on Saturday.”
At Morphettville on May 2, Sir Kingsford gave chase to Alainge, also entered for the Andrew Ramsden, in the Port Adelaide Cup.
Searle reported strong form since, with a midweek gallop alongside jockey Teegan Voorham for the upcoming ride.
“He’s had a few trips across now, so the travel shouldn’t bother him,” Searle said.
“He always eats pretty well, so fingers crossed all goes well with him.
“We thought we’d have a throw at the stumps and see where we land.”
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