Resortman Aiming Up At Bluff Knoll
Trainer Michael Lane will attempt to secure Resortman a slot in next year’s Bluff Knoll (1099m) at Albany on March 10.
Resortman was beaten less than three lengths in running a gallant seventh to Munhamek in Saturday’s Damien Oliver-Gold Rush By TABtouch (1400m).
It followed another a credible performance in the Crown Perth-Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) earlier this month.
Lane said he while he hadn’t made a set plan with the seven-year-old, Albany’s new slot race did appeal to him.
“At this point in time, the horse will push on,” Lane told TABradio.
“He will stay in work because, being an older horse, I don’t want to tip him out.
“We will keep him up to scratch, without him doing hard work.
“We will head to the next race, wherever that may be.
“I’m thinking the Bluff Knoll, even though it’s 1100.
“I’d love to go down there and support the Albany Race Club.”
After a terrific 2022, which saw him win a Group 3 and three Listed races, Resortman has started just five times in 2023.
Lane said his prime concern was Resortman’s welfare and ensuring he was a happy horse.
“He’s getting no younger, but he’s still got the will to want to win,” he said.
“I thought these (Winterbottom and Gold Rush) were going to be his last two races, but I’m not prepared to say that.
“The horse always comes first in our stable.
“The vet’s opinion is there’s no reason he can’t keep racing.”
Resortman’s game Gold Rush performance came off the back of stablemate Rusty Dreams winning the Listed Starstruck Classic (1600m) earlier in the day.
Tim Walker
Image – Western Racepix
WATCH – Resortman’s Gold Rush Run