Talbragar strikes for Sandhu

Trainer Julius Sandhu has had considerable success with the progeny from Overreach with the latest member scoring at Mornington.

Lofty Strike was the original flag-bearer for the Sandhu, winning a Blue Diamond Prelude and the Group 2 Rubiton Stakes, while filly Excess was successful at Caulfield during the week.

Recent stable acquisition Talbragar, an older brother to both Lofty Strike and Excess, all being by Snitzel, took out the Polvin Fencing Handicap (1200m) on Saturday.

Talbragar started his career with Mark Newnham, but proved a handful and was banished without starting for the former Sydney-based trainer, winning on debut for Kody Nestor.

After one start with Nestor, Talbragar was transferred to Cody Morgan in a bid to improve the gelding’s manner.

Talbragar won four races for Morgan and following the success of Lofty Strike, the decision was made to transfer the gelding to Sandhu.

Ridden by Jamie Mott, Talbragar ($5.50) scored a half-length win from Bellinger ($6.50) with Anilla ($15) a further 1-¼ lengths away third.

Mott was associated with Lofty Strike early in his career and said despite looking similar, that was where their similarities ended.

“He’s a smaller version of Lofty Strike,” Mott said.

“They’re different versions. This guy can jump and put himself on speed and show a good turn of foot and relax.

“The other guy would relax and travel on the bridle and have an outstanding turn of foot.

“They both have class, and this guy has better legs and is a gelding, so he’ll have a longer career.

“He’s still learning his craft and I don’t know what his ceiling is, but he’s definitely on the way up and will get over a bit further as well.”

Lofty Strike has been retired early in his four-year-old season after three wins from 12 starts and will commence stud duties at Swettenham Stud in the new breeding season.

Sandhu said he was wary of starting Talbragar from a wide gate on Saturday and praised Mott for imploring him to start the gelding.

“He’s a lovely horse. A really nice horse to have in the stable,” Sandhu said.

“Hats off to Jamie. He filled me with confidence as I wasn’t sure that I wanted to run from that barrier and he said, ‘Julius, just get the horse down here’.”