Casino Seventeen's campaign hinges on Flemington start

Trainer Gavin Bedggood is looking to assess the spring credentials of Casino Seventeen when the well-travelled stayer contests the 25/26 VRC Membership Renewals Open (2530m) at Flemington on Saturday. It will be his third start since joining the Bedggood stable.

“He’s been everywhere,” Bedggood said. “He hasn’t raced in Tasmania yet, but he could make a nice Hobart Cup horse. He’s a tough competitor, and as a tried horse, he’s arrived in fantastic condition, which makes training him a lot easier.”

Casino Seventeen was a dual Group 2 winner in Perth for former trainers Grant and Alana Williams, claiming the Perth Cup (2400m) and later the Lee Steere Stakes over 1400m. Since joining Bedggood, he has finished second to Jimmy The Bear first-up and midfield over 2000m at Flemington last month.

“He was excellent first-up, and I thought his second-up effort was solid,” Bedggood said. “This weekend’s race isn’t as strong as I thought it would be, but it looks like it lacks tempo. Ideally, I’d like him to slot in behind the speed in third or fourth.”

Saturday’s performance will help determine whether connections aim higher. “It’s a real fork-in-the-road race,” Bedggood said. “If he wins, we’ll look at The Archer. But if he falls short of that level, there are still plenty of other races for him. We might even freshen him up and bring him back in trip.”

The Archer (2500m), run at Flemington on September 13, offers the winner a ballot exemption for the Melbourne Cup (3200m), making Saturday’s race an important spring stepping stone.