Trainer Matt Cumani has revealed that talented import Grey Lion is on track for a racing return in the Group 3 Easter Cup (2000m) at Caulfield on April 15th.
Grey Lion is on track for a racing return in Saturday week’s Easter Cup at Caulfield. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos
Grey Lion made an impressive debut to Australian racing when second behind Qewy in the Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m) in October last year and was returned to the paddock after he finished fourteenth in the Melbourne Cup on November 1st.
Cumani told AAP that the Galileo entire has relished his time away from racing and that he is showing all the signs that he will be ready for a competitive return in the Easter Cup 2017.
“Hopefully we can get him ready for that as he’s been going really well on the track,” Cumani said.
“Being a couple of weeks out I’m happy with where he’s at.
“It’s going to be a bit of an ask going first-up into a race like that over 2000 metres, but hopefully he’s up for it.”
Cumani has not confirmed specific plans for Grey Lion beyond the Easter Cup, but will consider targets during the Brisbane Winter Carnival, should his form warrant the trip north.
“There’s a bit of question mark over whether he likes soft ground or not,” Cumani said.
“It was quite wet when I was up there last year but we’ve got Eagle Farm open now and that apparently drains very well.
“Hopefully we won’t have to worry too much about the weather this year.”
Grey Lion began his racing career under the guidance of prominent French trainer Andre Fabre in 2014 and has posted a commendable record of four wins and as many minors, through thirteen competitive appearances.
Producing a number of smart efforts through his final European campaign in early 2016, Grey Lion won the Prix De Louviers (2500m) before finishing third in the Group 3 D’Hedouville (2400m) most notably.
