Plein Ciel continues its Australian staying dominance
THE European dominance of Australian staying races continued on Saturday when Plein Ciel remained unbeaten in four Australian starts.
The four-year-old German import for Australian Bloodstock was the odds-on $1.90 favourite at Palmerbet.com.au after breezing past rivals at its last three starts in Melbourne.
The well-bred son of Mamool faced its most difficult task at Caulfield on Saturday, but came away with flying colours after a heady ride from apprentice jockey Ben Allen.
“I was kinda happy when Regan (Bayliss, Manhattan Boss) took up the lead, I knew he was going to take me a lot further into it than Scelto was,” Allen said.
“Once that dropped off, we came out, got clear running and hit the line well.”
Plein Ciel was trapped along the inside of runners behind the speed, but Allen, who is thriving in town for Darren Weir, pushed out nearing the turn to avoid being left with nowhere to run.
“I reckon I pushed the button a bit too early, because once he was coming up to the line he know he was finished,” Allen said.
“Seeing as I’m just starting off in town, he’s (Weir) been a really good supporter of mine, so it’s good to be able to get these winners for him.”
Weir believes Plein Ciel is heading in the right direction and it only has more improvement to come.
“He’s going really well… he’s going in the right direction,” Weir said.
“There’s still a little bit to come with him. When you see him out the back he’s a bit of a lad, gotta sort that out.”
Weir isn’t quite sure where he will send the four-year-old to next, but he hasn’t ruled out a possible trip south to Tasmania.
“Not sure what we do with him now, try find a 2000 metre race I guess,” Weir said.
“There’s some nice staying races, not sure if we’ll go there, but obviously Hobart is an option – really good prizemoney. The trip away wouldn’t hurt him.”
Cool Chap was specked at odds of $6 with William Hill and it made good late ground to push Plein Ciel close. The four-year-old hasn’t seen the winners’ enclosure for awhile now, but a win doesn’t look far away.
Third placing was filled by Bondeiger which battled home well and looks a natural improver this preparation.