After an outstanding return, Stockman (NZ) (Tavistock) has put himself on a path to The Metropolitan (Gr.1, 2400m).
The Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) could become more than just a pipedream for connections of Gr.2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) contender Stockman if the forecast for a rainy spring eventuates.
A talented stayer and wet track specialist, Stockman showed surprising dash when beaten less than four lengths by Anamoe (Street Boss) first-up in the Gr.1 Winx Stakes (1400m), a performance that caught even trainer Joe Pride off guard.
“There is nothing better than seeing your stayers come back with speed in their legs and he did that,” Pride said.
“He didn’t have any trouble keeping up. The Stockman of old would have got beaten seven or eight lengths in that race, maybe 10, and totally got outsprinted.
“He ran home in about 34 seconds and he has never done that in his life.”
A winner up to 2400m, Stockman scored at Group 3 level in the autumn and finished second to Duais (Shamus Award) in the weight-for-age Gr.1 Tancred Stakes (2400m), both on rain-affected tracks.
His current goal is The Metropolitan at Randwick in October and if he continues stepping up to the mark, a wet spring in Melbourne could tempt Pride to take the six-year-old south.
“He is a great stayer but I’m realistic about him. He’s a wet tracker so if we get this wet spring they’re talking about, it will be happy days for Stockman,” Pride said.
“He will most likely head to the St Leger (after the Metropolitan), but I haven’t ruled out taking him down to Melbourne.
“We don’t get too many wet Melbourne Cups, but I’ve never been in a better position to put one in the Melbourne Cup, so we’ll see.”
Stockman is set to get conditions to suit for his second-up assignment in Saturday’s Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) with Randwick rated a soft 7 on Friday and scattered showers forecast.
