A famous set of racing colours no stranger to success in some of Australia’s biggest races have been carried to victory at Flemington.
And in a little over a month they could again be seen aboard the winner of the Victoria Derby.
Tavistock Abbey took out Wednesday’s Victoria Derby Trial (1800m) in the colours carried by Carbine in the 1800’s and more recently by Cox Plate winner Super Impose.
Anthony Freedman, who trains Tavistock Abbey, said the colours have barely been seen since Super Impose, who was trained by his brother Lee, last raced in the 1992 Melbourne Cup.
“John Newton was in Super Impose and his family own the colours,” Freedman said.
“When he came into the horse he asked if the colours could be used.
“I don’t think we’ve had a runner in them since and I’m sure there hasn’t been too many runners in them since.”
Tavistock Abbey leapt to equal $7 favouritism with Royal Symphony for November’s Victoria Derby (2500m) following his half-head win over Main Stage on Wednesday.
Freedman said the Derby was the obvious target with the trainer expecting continued improvement.
“We’ll plot a course through to the Derby and if we’re happy with him on Derby day he can run,” Freedman said.
“If it comes a bit quick then we might wait for the autumn.”
The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Pinot was also promoted to equal $7 favouritism for the VRC Oaks (2500m) on November 9 following her win in the Kennedy Oaks Trial (1800m).
Pinot was devastating in her 3-3/4 length victory which was run in quicker time than the colts and geldings.
Jockey Stephen Baster said the removal of blinkers from Pinot, a daughter of 2005 Australian Oaks winner Dizelle, was decisive.
“She’s always been a really nice filly but a lot’s gone wrong with her,” Baster said.
“She’s been immature and we put the blinkers on to get her going but last start I thought she overdid it a bit so I suggested we take the shades off and let her relax.
“She still did a little bit wrong today but when she got the run she really launched to the line.
“I think she’s a really good filly.”
Credit: AAP