Tac De Boistron seen here being examined by the vet at the quarantine yards in Werribbee.
AUSTRALIAN Thoroughbred Bloodstock unveils its second new import and Melbourne Cup hopeful with Tac De
Boistron lining up in an elite Geelong Cup tomorrow.
While this will be the French stayer’s first race start in Australia, Cranbourne trainer Mick Kent has already given the grey a couple of gallops on the Geelong circuit.
The Ballan district-based ATB is hoping the French run of luck in the Geelong Cup continues with Tac De Boistron,
which it syndicated to specifically aim at the Melbourne Cup.
Americain and Dunaden have completed the Geelong Cup-Melbourne Cup doubles in the past two years. American galloper Unusual Suspect gave the ATB’s Darren Dance his first experience of having an interest in a
Melbourne Cup runner with a top 10 finish, prompting him to acquire Tac De Boistron and Italian stayer Jakkalberry
for another try at landing the biggest prize in Australian racing.
Jakkalberry had no luck in the Caulfield Cup on Saturday, dropping out after being caught wide for the journey.
He remains on track for the first Tuesday in November though with improvement expected with better fortune in
running.
Another highly rated French visitor Brigantin is consider the to beat in the $300,000 Geelong Cup, 2400m.
The line-up also features Maluckyday, Gatewood, Chateau Margaux, Back In Black and Stawell-trained mare
Exceptionally from the Terry and Karina O’Sullivan stable.
In the meantime, Unusual Suspect will be looking to turn his form around in the Moonee Valley Cup, 2500m.
Unusual Suspect, which is also prepared by Kent, is qualified for the Melbourne Cup, but needs to lift his game to warrant a start and give ATB interest in three starters.
BALLARAT harness racing enthusiasts Dawn Evans and Jean Irwin have been recognised by the Victorian Square
Trotters’ Association as the leading breeders in 2011-12.
Decided on a points basis, Evans and Irwin from Mt Rowan received the award as a result of the racetrack
performances of the likes of Ballarat and District Trotting Club triotter of the year Button Brigade, Chateau de Ville,
Redcaviar and Optimum.
david.brehaut@thecourier.com.au
