 In form Sutton Grange trainer Robbie Laing has a dilemma on his hands, but it
is only for good reasons.On Saturday Laing,
who recently won the Group One SA Derby with Pantani and the Group Three The Jansz with
Rohatyn, saddled up his dashing jumper Regal Royal to an impressive win in the Moonee
Valley Hurdle in Melbourne.
The problem is now Laing must decide whether the talented
eight-year-old will continue his ultimate aim to the Grand National Steeplechase.
"All of this preparation we've had his set for the
Steeplechases," Laing said. "So I guess we've now got a bit of a decision to
make as to whether we stay with the hurdles or stick with our original plan."
Laing seems to be leaning toward the feature Steeple events
over the upcoming winter jumping carnival.
"He's a super steepler," Laing said after he
trotted home in in the six length demolition job. "So I guess we're in a bit of a
quandary now."
In Saturday's event leading jumps jockey Craig Durden was
able to put the gelding to "sleep" in a lovely position before sweeping up to
the leaders at the 800 metre mark. From there the result was never in doubt as the son of
Forever Regal bounded away to beat Sir Cool, who edged out the early leader Crown Duo for
the minor end of the prize.
PIC - Quentin
Lang. |
