3 minute read
Gallant front-running middle distance galloper Sir Simon tuned up for a hit and run interstate mission with a bold win in the Georgetown News Xpress Open Handicap over 1400 metres in Launceston on Wednesday night.
In Brief
- Gallant grey makes it back-to-back wins in Launceston.
- Sir Simon heading to Victoria for Kilmore Cup later this month.
- Brinton to aim Sir Simon at weight-for-age features during Tasmania's Summer Carnival.
Sir Simon ($1.45) gave his rivals a galloping lesson with apprentice Erica Byrne Burke in the saddle, leading throughout to score by over two lengths from stablemate Queen La Diva ($4.60) with White Hawk ($16) 2-1/2 lengths away third.
The Scott Brunton-trained grey gelding contested the Ladbrokes Hobart Cup last season but this time around he will be aimed at races up to 1600m and his first assignment over that trip will come in the Kilmore Cup in Victoria on 21 November.
"I've set him for the Kilmore Cup (1600m) because it looks a nice race for him and he has never been in better form this early in a preparation," Brunton said.
"We tried him over the longer trips last season, and it didn't work but by concentrating over distances between 1400-1600m will hopefully give him a chance to win a Listed race or two.
"He has a high cruising speed, and he is tough and that's a good combination."
Brunton said he will aim Sir Simon at the weight-for-age (WFA) Thomas Lyons in Hobart and then progress him to the WFA Mowbray Stakes over 1600m on Launceston Cup Day, which could be his grand final this preparation.
