Wet track would suit Survived: Alexander
Archie Alexander didn’t know what to expect when former New Zealand galloper Survived stepped out for his first start for his new stable in the Bendigo Golden Mile.
But he was pleasantly surprised as the Group One winner, who hadn’t won since 2013, finished third in the Listed race.
Six-year-old Survived, a winner of the 2013 Group One Makfi Challenge Stakes in heavy conditions in New Zealand, was bought early this year and sent to Alexander.
He has his second start for the trainer at Sandown on Saturday and Alexander wants to see what the gelding can produce again after his first run, although he admitted it was also a tough race.
“There aren’t many Group One winners a young trainer gets sent, so it’s good to have him,” Alexander said.
“His form had fallen away in New Zealand and even watching replays it was hard to get a guide on him because he was very in and out.
“We’ve just taken him back to basics and we were pleasantly surprised in the Golden Mile at Bendigo.
“He likes a wet track so if it keeps on raining until the weekend it will be a good thing.”
Alexander said he was tempted to step Survived up in distance but decided to keep him to 1600m for Saturday’s Ladbrokes Odds Boost Handicap before looking to go up in journey.
“He’s got plenty of ability and mentally he seems really well,” Alexander said.
“We were delighted with third at Bendigo and a longer-term goal is the Warrnambool Cup or something.”
Kenjorwood and Sertorius share topweight with 60kg in Saturday’s full field which also includes the Bendigo Golden Mile winner Nevis.
Saturday’s meeting includes the Listed Galilee Series Final (2400m) for three-year-olds which has a field of 13.
The Mick Kent-trained Charlevoix, a last-start fourth in the Alister Clark Stakes, has been installed the early favourite.