In-form Scene Of The Crime steps into uncharted waters over 2000m at Albury on Tuesday in the Carlton Mid Benchmark 65 Handicap.
The staying test however, doesn’t faze the gelding’s trainer Matthew Dale.
“It’s his first try at 2000 metres but he races like a horse that it will suit,” The Canberra-based trainer said. “He’s in great form, in good shape, looks well and eating well.
“It should be very interesting.”
Dale inherited the Bradbury’s Luck six-year-old this preparation after stints with other trainers in Queensland and Victoria.
The grey gelding is raced by a syndicate headed by Sydney lawyer David Baxter.
“It’s good to get the old grey horse back in form,” Dale added. “Previously he’d been tried up to 1600 metres but he’s won over 1700 metres for me and I’d be surprised if he can’t get the extra trip.”
Scene Of The Crime has had five starts for Dale.
After unplaced efforts over unsuitable distances at Canberra on December 15 and 27 when he made ground late from well back, Scene Of The Crime scored a strong win in a 1600m Benchmark 65 handicap at the same track on January 10.
The gelding then repeated the dose winning another Benchmark 65 event over 1700m at Wagga on January 26 before his last start long head second to Salander in a 1600m Benchmark 64 handicap at Canberra on February 7.
“He’s just poked along in his work, done good and hasn’t missed a beat since Canberra,” Dale said. “He’s given every indication he’s looking for further than 1600 metres.
“He’s the sort of horse that can race anywhere but over the 2000 metres I’d expect him to be pretty handy to the pace.”
Scene Of The Crime will be ridden by apprentice Brodie Loy who was aboard the gelding in his last start win.
– Racing NSW
