3 minute read
Andrew Forsman is happy with the progress of Aegon leading into the All-Star Mile at The Valley.
Finishing just over a length from Alligator Blood in a Flemington Group 1 race last spring gave Andrew Forsman the confidence to tackle the All-Star Mile at Moonee Valley with Aegon.
The problem for Forsman and connections was how were they going to get into the $5 million race on Saturday where most of the field gains a start through a public vote.
Forsman knew Aegon would not receive the votes to gain a start, so he ran in races that the gelding may possibly not win but would be the right form races to gain a Wildcard into the 1600m contest.
Aegon showed he was up to Saturday's company when fourth behind Alligator Blood, Tuvalu and Mr Brightside in the Champions Mile at Flemington last November.
That prompted Forsman to run Aegon in the Group 1 C F Orr Stakes, where he was a closing sixth to Jacquinot, before finishing fourth to Alligator Blood in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes on February 25.
Both those races were at 1400m and Forsman said the rise to 1600m on Saturday will be ideal.
"We really wanted to get into this race and that is why we kept him to the 1400 metres and banked on that form behind those favourites would get us a wildcard," Forsman said.
"We knew we wouldn't get the votes, but we wanted to count on his good solid form getting him in.
"First-up he hit the line well then last time it was more of a sprint home. He was probably looking for the mile already then, but we kept him to the 1400 (metres) to have him ready for this.
"If you go back to his Champions Mile form in the spring, he was only a length off Alligator Blood and the very good ones.
"We know he is thereabouts, but a lot of it comes down to the right barrier (eight) and getting the right run, which I think he will get."
Aegon will be having his first run at Moonee Valley and will be ridden by Blaike McDougall.
Forsman took advantage of taking Aegon to Moonee Valley on Tuesday to give Aegon a look at the track and it also allowed McDougall to have a sit on the gelding before Saturday's race.
"I think he would get around the track without having a look, but it was nice to give him a day out," Forsman said.
"He was a little bit above himself, so that should bring him on.
"He can be a bit like that. He's a small man that is a little hyperactive, but Blaike was happy with what he felt underneath him.
"He is a quality horse, but at this level there is no hiding."
