Birdman dominates Blamey Stakes in Flemington feature

Birdman has the Australian Cup in his sights after a stylish triumph during a Stakes race at Flemington.

It was the second run back from rest for the Chris Waller-trained contender in the Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) on Saturday, underlining the ex-British galloper's potential for a fruitful autumn.

The $3.50 favourite, under Ben Melham, hit the front in the straight's dying stages over the last 100m, prevailing by 1-¾ lengths from Enxuto ($7) and a half-head further adrift Mark Twain ($101) in third.

Prior to this, Birdman debuted this campaign in Flemington's Listed Elms Handicap (1400m) on February 14, suffering traffic woes from a low gate.

Melham was specifically told on Saturday to keep Birdman out of trouble by ensuring he had clear passage.

Waller assistant Darren Beadman confirmed the jockey stuck closely to the strategy.

"Last start it didn't work out from the inside draw, but today he held his line out of the gates," Beadman said.

"He wasn't the best to step away, but he kept that three wide line and dictated to a few runners around him.

"He let them know he wasn't going to go over to the fence. He was seven lengths off the lead, and it was a pretty easy watch."

According to Beadman, the gelding arrived Down Under with solid European achievements, and his team eyed Melbourne Cup glory.

"He arrived in Australia about a year-and-a-half or two years ago with good credentials and a couple of wins, including the Queen's Vase," Beadman said.

"The owners were hoping to aim for the Melbourne Cup. He's been very consistent and his was a great run in the Caulfield Cup last year.

"I guess, without speaking to Chris, the Australian Cup will probably be the ideal type of race for him."

Flemington hosts the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) on March 28.

Melham felt the gelding was deserving of a win first-up and drew boosted belief from that performance for Saturday.

"I feel that he will go to a new level this preparation," Melham said.

"I love the feeling when he let down today.

"He's a master, Chris Waller. This horse has really come into his own this preparation and he's a gentleman to deal with and he's got a motor to boot.

"That will hold him in good stead moving forward."

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