Straand Deal Maintains Winning Form
Trainer Lloyd Kennewell is contemplating a northern campaign or a spell for Straand Deal to prepare for the spring, after the gelding achieved his third straight win at Sandown.
The gelding's triumph in the Sportsbet Same Race Multi Handicap over 2400m on Saturday was his first at the distance, following earlier victories over 2014m at Morphettville and 2100m at Sandown.
This particular race was anticipated to be a contest between two promising, lightly raced stayers, with Simurgh taking up the running and Straand Deal being held back by jockey Billy Egan.
Straand Deal, who started at $4.20, eventually overhauled the $3.20 favourite Simurgh, winning by a head. Oceana Dream ($8) secured third place, a further three-quarters of a length adrift.
Kennewell mentioned that a potential start in the Listed Caloundra Cup (2400m) at the Sunshine Coast on July 4 would be considered if the decision was to press on. Alternatively, the gelding would be given a break to prepare for the major spring races.
Last year's Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup winner, Half Yours, had captured the Caloundra Cup on his way to his dual Cups success.
"He's a nice stayer in the making," Kennewell remarked.
"I will need to discuss with Gerry Harvey whether we proceed to a Caloundra Cup or if I should stop and reset.
"He might be a horse that can contend in a good race with a light weight, as he has so much more to offer. He possesses a substantial stamina reserve, and I'm unsure if I should deplete it.
"I believe you must dream big and embrace ambition in this industry, given the limited opportunities to develop a horse capable of reaching a Caulfield or Melbourne Cup level.
"He may not prove to be the right horse, but he might be, and if you don't take the chance, you'll never know.
"People invest millions internationally, and I have a horse right here that has won three races in succession and is a promising galloper.
"If I sense he has had enough, I will stop on Monday and he can have a spell with Mbube; otherwise, he could be following a plan towards Caloundra."
The win by Straand Deal completed a successful day for Kennewell, who also secured victory in the opening event, the Sportsbet Fastform Handicap (1000m), with the first-time starter Mbube.
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