Settler's Way shows Gallopin promise

A strong maiden win over 2000m yesterday at Seymour for Settler's Way has trainer Danny O'Brien hoping the three-year-old reaches the heights of his famous half-brother Gallopin.

O'Brien trained Gallopin to win the Group 2 Moonee Valley Cup and a Bagot Handicap, and on the strength of Settler's Way's win yesterday getting beyond 2000m looks within the gelding's scope.

"Settler's Way has come a long way this preparation and it was great to see him break through yesterday in emphatic fashion," O'Brien said.

"We had a lot of fun with Gallopin and when we purchased this bloke from the Karaka Sales we were hoping he would mature into a similar horse."

After three seconds in his first five starts, Settler's Way jumped to the front for jockey Jamie Mott before taking on for the lead twice in running.

On the second occasion Mott handed up the lead, before surging Settler's Way to the front rounding the turn and ran away for a strong win.

"His win had plenty of merit and I am considering testing him in town over 2000m in the next few weeks which will give us a guide as to where we should be aiming in the future," O'Brien said.

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