O'Brien stayers heading up with a Bullet

Flemington trainer Danny O’Brien is set to target some of the rich autumn cups around the country after his pair of stayers delivered a quinella in the opening event at Caulfield on Saturday.

Second Bullet snapped a 12-month drought when he surged clear to win the 1800-metre handicap by an ever-widening margin and by doing so raced himself into contention for the $300,000 Mornington Cup on March 25.

Four lengths behind Second Bullet was De Little Engine, whose losing stretch now extends to 15 months despite the performance leaving connections hopeful victory is not too far away. And the Adelaide Cup on March 13 will be the day they hope the rain finally comes.

As for Second Bullet, he began life with much expectation and, as a six-year-old, looks likely to finally deliver. His mother was the triple group 1 winner Private Steer and so, as a yearling, he cost O’Brien $235,000 to secure.

Now, after 36 runs and eight wins, he’s earnings have neared $480,000 with the promise of more to come.

The race was notable for the return of quality stayer Signoff, who was having his first start for Warrnambool trainer Patrick Ryan. The seven-year-old raced fresh and was holding fourth spot at the 800 metre mark before tiring into last place.

Story by Andrew Eddy for Racing.com, to view full story click here

Pic by Racing Photos