Smart stayer still in running for Melbourne trip
31 Aug 2016A trip to Melbourne remains in the mix for What’s the Story, who is progressing well after an early setback to his spring campaign.
The Group One performer, who was laid low by a blood infection, furthered his preparation when fifth in a 1000 metre trial at Avondale on Tuesday.
“He’s well and it’s good to have him back trialling,” said Stephen McKee, who prepares the Savabeel gelding with Eddie Chippendale.
“The track was far too heavy for him so he just cruised around and he made some steady ground late in the piece.
“He’ll go to Ruakaka on Saturday week and we’ll get that run out of the way before we lock in a programme.
“There are a nice spread of races in Melbourne for him, he’s not nominated for the Caulfield or Melbourne Cups but there are a lot of options over there for a horse that can stay.”
What's The Story has won two of his eight starts, and finished runner-up in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby. He was spelled after he ran sixth in the Gr. 1 ATC Derby.
He was bred by Fairdale and Goodwood Suds and sold through the former’s 2014 Premier Sale draft at Karaka for $80,000 to Albert Bosma’s Go Racing Ltd.