Peter Lock has all but ruled out a trip to Australia for the progressive Mr Luigi.
The Te Aroha trainer had floated the idea of a Sydney campaign following the five-year-old’s impressive last-start win at Te Rapa, but after further consideration a domestic Group One preparation is now the likely focus.
“I’m just a wee bit concerned that he’s still green and he showed that the other day when he got to the front and started gawking around,” Lock said.
“I’m reluctant to go over there when he’s still got a bit to learn. I’m going to have a chat with the owner on Saturday about things.”
Lock said his proposal would be to venture south with Mr Luigi to broaden the Darci Brahma gelding’s experience for a far sterner test in the spring.
“He’s never had a trip away so I’m thinking I’ll take him to Otaki for a Rating 85 mile on Saturday and I’ll take him down there a couple of days before the race.
“Hopefully, he’ll go really well again and then I’ll give him a bit of a break and get him ready for the Livamol Classic.
“All going well I would love to take him over to Brisbane next year.”
Mr Luigi has three wins and four placings from his seven career starts.
– NZ Racing Desk
