Taiyoo will return to the races in the 2015 P.B. Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday, but trainer Darren Weir is not confident about the chances of the consistent stayer in the Group 2 event.
Taiyoo will start his 2015 Moonee Valley Cup campaign when he contests the P.B. Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday. Photo by: Jenny Barnes
Taiyoo made a slow start to his summer campaign when he was beaten over 1300 metres at Seymour in October last year, but he stamped himself as one of the most progressive stayers in the country as he got out over more distance.
The Haradasun gelding claimed the first win of his campaign in the Winslow Group Handicap (1800m) at Sandown on December 6 and he made it two wins on the trot in the Comic Court Handicap (2000m) at Flemington on December 20.
He had his winning streak ended at the hands of Extra Zero at Flemington on New Year’s Day and he went on to take out the Piping Lane Handicap (2000m) at Flemington on January 17, the John Moule Handicap (2400m) at Sandown on January 26, the Mystery Bets Handicap (2400m) at the same venue on February 7 before he made his black-type debut with a win in the Listed Australian Night Cup (2500m) at Moonee Valley on February 20.
Taiyoo was sent to Adelaide and he maintained his winning streak with a tough win in the Group 3 Lord Reims Handicap (2600m) at Morphettville on February 28, but his incredible run came to an end when he was narrowly bested by Tanby in the Group 2 Adelaide Cup (3200m) at Morphettville on March 9.
Weir told Racing Ahead that he has been happy with Taiyoo since he returned form the spelling paddock, but he thinks the six-year-old may struggle to be competitive over 1400 metres in the 2015 P.B. Lawrence Stakes and is just hopeful that the six-year-old hits the line strongly as he presses on to races like the Group 2 Moonee Valley Cup (2600m) on Cox Plate Day.
“I am really happy with him, but I would be doubtful if he could worry these horses,” Weir said.
“He is on a Moonee Valley Cup prep and as long as he finishes.
“You would hope that he does not get right out the back, but I suspect that he will get back and just be finishing off.
“He has plenty of miles in his legs, but not a lot of galloping.
“I am happy with where he is at, at this stage and he is heading to the staying races later on.”
Taiyoo opened at 2015 P.B. Lawrence Stakes odds of $51 with Ladbrokes, but there has been some support for the Adelaide Cup runner-up and he is now into $34 to give Weir his second win in the P.B. Lawrence Stakes in three years.
