De Little Engine underlines staying potential

De Little Engine, dominant winner of yesterday’s People at Work BM 70 Handicap at Sportsbet-Ballarat, could find himself in the Bagot Handicap on New Year’s day.

Danny O’Brien flagged a possible run in the listed Race after De Little Engine smashed his rivals by four-and-three-quarter lengths.

O’Brien said De Little Engine had been building up to the performance and noted the son of 2007 Crown Oaks winner Arapaho Miss had run second behind subsequent Bendigo Cup winner Bring Something in the Galilee Final last season.

“I thought that was pretty good form for today,” O’Brien said.

“His progression has been terrific and his only staying form as a three-year-old was terrific.”

O’Brien said De Little Engine would head next to a race at Flemington next month before a possible start in the Bagot Handicap (2800m).

De Little Engine, $7, was untroubled to win by four and three-quarter lengths from Murphy’s Delight, $6.50, with Dark Lochnagar, the $4.20 favourite, one -and-a-quarter lengths away third.

Chad Schofield described De Little Engine as an emerging stayer with untold upside.

“He’s starting to hit his straps as a young stayer,” Schofield said.

“He was very good. He travelled well on a hot speed and when I asked him to go he went and he went to the line full of gusto. It was impressive."

Story by Adrian Dunn, to view full story and watch replay of race click here

Picture by Bruno Cannatelli, to view Bruno's website click here