The Group 1 Australian Cup at Flemington next March has been nominated as the main 2013-14 goal for talented stayer Survived.
The rising four-year-old returned to New Zealand last week from his Queensland winter carnival campaign and trainer John Bary is pleased with his condition.
“He had three weeks’ spell over there after the Derby and came back last Thursday,” said Bary. “The way he’s running around and bucking I’d say he’ll be back in work sooner rather than later.”
Bary says Survived could begin his spring campaign in an open sprint at Wanganui or on his home track of Hastings. “We’ll just see what suits best and all going well he can run on the second and third days down at Hastings,” said Bary. “The main aim will be the Australian Cup at Flemington.”
Survived emerged as one of the most exciting three-year-old stayers this season when he followed a decisive win in the Gr. 3 Higgins Manawatu Classic with a runaway victory against the older horses in the Gr. 3 Hawke’s Bay Gold Cup.
The Zed gelding then headed to Brisbane, where he finished second to Hawkspur in the Gr. 3 Rough Habit Plate before a last start eighth in the Queensland Derby.
Source : The NZ Informant
