Lane Ponders Test For Resortman
Resortman has answered every challenge put in front of him and trainer Michael Lane is hopeful he can continue that upward spiral ahead of upcoming feature three-year-old races.
Lane is excited by what lays ahead for the Helmet gelding who continued his winning ways at Belmont on Saturday when he extended his unbeaten record to three wins.
Since he debuted at Bunbury in January, Resortman has flashed big potential and Lane is keen to test him against quality opposition with the Raconteur Stakes (1400m) and Belmont Guineas (1600m) looming as suitable targets.
“I haven’t mapped anything out yet, but that’s a natural progression I suppose,” Lane told The Races WA.
“If he is right and good you go there and you test the waters, then you know where you are heading with him.
“I suppose you have to test them sometimes, but it is a big jump in grade, there is no doubting about that.”
A host of star three-year-olds are set to tackle the Raconteur Stakes and Belmont Guineas including Windstorm and Kay Cee.
Windstorm is unbeaten in two starts and has not raced since his rampaging win over 1200m last October.
The Redoute’s Choice gelding missed the Ascot carnival with a stomach illness, but looks on track after a trial win on May 11.
Kay Cee emerged as a star for Neville Parnham when she won the Group 1 Kingston Town Classic (1800m) in December.
Lane has a high opinion of Resortman, but is not shy to express his admiration for Kay Cee.
“The other (Windstorm) is a good horse, but Kay Cee has done it and won a Group 1 race,” Lane said.
“She is a good filly and a top class horse.
“It will be a cracker-jack field.
“I will let the dust settle in the next couple of days.”
Bought for $15,000 as a weanling, Resortman has taken his prize-money to $77.880.
That tally boosted after he led for jockey Kyra Yuill and comfortably defeated Irritable Rodnee by 1 ¼ lengths.
Lane says Resortman is displaying all the right attributes of being a top horse.
“He’s pulled up a treat and I was rapt with the win,” Lane said.
“Seeing him going forward showed he had another string to his bow.
“He’s not a one trick pony which is good.
“He has such beautiful demeanor at the races, he’s very relaxed.
“From his first start nothing has fazed him and he hasn’t changed a bit.
“He came home and ate up, he hasn’t missed a beat
“He has the makings of a good horse, there are a lot of positives.
“I think he will only get better. Hopefully I’m right.”
The Raconteur Stakes (1400m) and Belmont Guineas, both Listed races, will be run on June 6 and June 20.
Julio Santarelli