Griffiths to raise the bar with Halvorsen
Halvorsen has delivered on a long-range plan to win the VOBIS Gold Dash at Caulfield.
Trainer Robbie Griffiths knew early that Halvorsen would prove an above-average horse.
The three-year-old recorded his fourth win from 11 starts when successful in Saturday’s VOBIS Gold Dash at Caulfield with Griffiths now raising the bar.
“He’s a exciting horse and we knew all along he would be,” Griffiths said.
“He cow-kicked me one morning.
“I’ve never had a horse kick me that quick and I thought if he’s that fast on race day, he’s going to be very good.”
Ridden by Andrew Mallyon, Halvorsen ($4.60) scored a widening two length win from Divine Mr Tycoon ($31) with Fine Dane ($4.80) a nose away third.
Saturday’s win was Halvorsen’s second in a VOBIS restricted race having scored at Moonee Valley in the Gold Carat in January.
That day he lowered the colours of Hawkshot who subsequently went on to win the Autumn Stakes at Caulfield before running second in the Group One Australian Guineas.
Griffiths said he would now look to Adelaide with the Euclase Stakes at Morphettville next Saturday a possibility.
“It might be a bit quick but we’ll certainly nominate,” Griffiths said.
“The Goodwood (two weeks later) is a possibility but he might not be seasoned for that yet.
“At some point in his career I think he’s going to continue to rise above and run in high grade races and having beaten Hawkshot, that gives me confidence.”