Anaheim shows staying worth with stakes win at Flemington
THREE-year-old colt Anaheim was balloted out of the Victoria Derby on Saturday, but it showed its staying worth when winning the TCL TV Stakes at Flemington on Oaks Day.
The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained runner was a maiden winner at Benella last start, but it looked a natural staying type and it was far too good for its opposition with winning rider Ben Melham in the saddle.
“We went to Benalla to try get him in the Derby, he won there, he was stiff he missed out getting a run by one horse,” Melham said.
“He came here a first horse. He’s slow maturing, putting it all together. He’s always had a bit of class.”
Melham gave the son of Fastnet Rock a great ride just in behind the speed and when the gap opened in the straight, the stayer sprinted well to the line.
“Worked out how to ride him now. Give him a bit of a chance early then let him settle off them. He gets to them quick but has a little look around late.
“He’s an improving type and he improved enough to win today. I genuinely thought he would be a lovely Derby type,” Melham added.
Co-trainer Natalie Young celebrated her first city winner since moving to Victoria with partner Trent Busuttin and it had plenty of support after being backed into $8.50 at CrownBet late.
“This is our first city winner since we first moved over here,” Young said. “Ben rode him a treat, settled him nicely. Great ride by him, he knows the horse.
“It’s nice to get a win on a day like this.”
Anaheim will now have a short break before being targeted towards the South Australian Derby next year.
“He’s won nicely today. I think we’ll give him a month in the paddock now. There’s still four more derbies.
“We’ll give him that little but of rest and head towards Adelaide and the Queensland Derby, and possibly the Australian Derby.
“He’s been in a long time so we’ll give him that month break.”
Righteous Mate and Rockstar Rebel filled the placings without threatening Anaheim. Race favourite Exocet drifted in the betting and ran accordingly – finishing ninth.