After 6 weeks of work, Tom Melbourne is set to trial at Balnarring on Wednesday the 1st of February. For this campaign, Tom has been training from the Freedman’s Pinecliff property in Mornington. The horse has responded well to the more relaxed environment of the facility. Tom returns to full work in excellent condition and with a far more relaxed temperament. His track rider reports that he is moving fluently and seems to be quite relaxed in his work, sitting behind horses and finishing strongly in his gallops.
If he trials well, Anthony Freedman will decide whether to head to the Group 3 Carlyon Cup at Caulfield on the 11th of February over 1600m, or start his campaign in the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes over 1800m on the 25th February. A forward run in either or both races will lay a foundation for him to start in the Group 1 Australian Cup at Flemington on the 11th March over 2000m.
The shorter distances planned for Tom Melbourne are on the back of a disappointing spring where the horse was unable to win over 2500m. Watch Tom’s heart-breaking 2nd place to Oceanographer in the Group 3 Lexus Stakes.
The high cruising nature of the horse can be most deceptive to riders and trainers, as he had given the impression that he would develop into a strong stayer. It is now evident that he will be better suited to slightly shorter to mid -distance journeys. The stable is confident that he will be able to perform at the top level over races around the 2000m distance. An exciting autumn prep looms for him.
