Trainer John Sargent believes seasoned campaigner Palmetto could be set for his best preparation yet as he resumes in the Captivant @ Kia Ora Handicap (1400m) at Rosehill on Saturday. The seven-year-old, a dual Listed winner in New Zealand, has enjoyed significant success since arriving in Australia, highlighted by feature race victories in the $500,000 The Coast (1600m), the $1 million Five Diamonds Prelude (1500m) in 2023, and his maiden black type win in Australia in the Canberra Cup (2000m) earlier this year.
Sargent says Palmetto has matured with age. “He has finally matured being a New Zealand-bred horse and being slow maturing,” Sargent said. “His trials have been super and I’d expect him to run well on Saturday.”
The trainer has mapped out the early part of his campaign, with Palmetto set to head next to the Chelmsford Stakes before tackling the Feehan Stakes at Moonee Valley. The Canberra Cup win has opened the door to more middle-distance contests, and Sargent expects to step him up in trip after a couple of runs.
“We will see how he goes in the Feehan at Moonee Valley and how he handles that way around, and worry about it after that,” Sargent said. “We will get him through the first three – Saturday, the Chelmsford and that will give us three weeks to the Feehan.”
Stablemate Vetwelve will also race at Rosehill in the Midway Handicap (1500m) after responding positively to blinkers last start at Kembla Grange. “The blinkers helped and this race should suit him being a Midway,” Sargent said. “He runs on speed, he’s fit and he’s ready to go.”
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