SOMERSET STOCKS CONTINUE TO RISE

Connections of Somerset Maugham are daring to dream of black type races as the gelding made it four wins from his past five starts at the weekend. 

The son of Galileo was heavily supported in the BM84 1800m at Flemington and favourites backers did not have a worry in the world as the race unfolded. 

In-form jockey Damian Lane, who rode a treble at the meeting, positioned the Northern Hemisphere five-year-old midfield with cover following his main danger in Rainbow Thief. 

“The race panned out perfectly, we were always in a great spot and we were able to follow the right horse into the race,” Lane said. 

“I felt we were the winner from a long way out.”

Since joining trainer Danny O’Brien’s stable early this year, the import has won four of eight starts and placed twice. 

“He is going through his grades really well and stepping up each time the bar has been raised for him. Danny has placed him very well. “

“He seems to thrive in the work as he has been up for a long time, but the stable has also made great use of their Barwon Heads training facility as this guy thrives working on 13th Beach between runs.”

O’Brien said the listed Lord Stakes at Caulfield on Boxing Day over 1700m under consideration for his next start.

Pic by Racing Photos