Despite suffering his first defeat, David Browne acknowledges that there were positives to take out of Elephant’s (NZ) (Shocking) gallant effort in yesterday’s Gr.2 Feehan Stakes (1600m).
The Kiwi galloper had won his first five starts, including a victory at Caulfield last month, but was nabbed by Superstorm in the final bounds of the Group Two event at Moonee Valley.
“I was very happy with the horse,” David Browne, who trains in partnership with his wife Emma-Lee, said.
“It’s just a little bit gutting in the end that he got beat.”
“He’s stepped up a hell of a long way and really proved that he’s right up there anyway.”
Browne believes that the soft track at the Valley didn’t bring out the best in his popular galloper.
“I don’t think he loved that ground,” he said.
“I think he didn’t let down quite the same as you’d expect him to, but at the same point, he still ran a really good, strong race.
“His action wasn’t as good on the rain-affected ground anyway.”
The Brownes are still discussing what lies ahead for Elephant this spring. The five-year-old is nominated for both the Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m) and the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m).
“We just haven’t quite decided whether we stick to a weight for age path or try and slip him into the handicaps,” Browne said.
“We’re just working through what’s going to be the best option for us working forward.”
Browne will be hoping for a bit more luck this Wednesday, when he saddles up Rhinoceros (NZ) (Vadamos) in a maiden over 1600 metres at Sandown.
