It’s now quite apparent the Andy Gath-trained Yambukian wouldn’t have been out of place contesting the heats at the recent Inter Dominion carnival in Brisbane.
The form horse of Victorian harness racing notched up his fifth consecutive win at Melton when he displayed his trademark staying prowess in the Hygain Victory Free For All.
Kate Gath opted to move up outside the leader with 1600 metres to travel on Yambukian ($1.90 fav) before surging to the front past Triple Eight approaching the home turn. The son of Bettors Delight then clung on to score by a half head from Young Bluey.
When quizzed, Gath said the seven-year old’s stellar form may be attributed to a change in training routine.
“He’s done it tough every time and tends to get beat the times he’s led,” Gath said.
“I don’t really know to be honest. We kind of gallop him now at home and he’s a bit more seasoned and has had a fair bit of hard racing and he has just got better and better.”
Gath conceded Yambukian was unlucky not to get a berth on the float to Brisbane earlier this month.
“I did say to Andy before the Inters that perhaps we should be taking this one because he is so honest, he’s got gate speed and you can do whatever you want with him and he will just keep trying as he did tonight,” she said.
Gath didn’t rule out thoughts surrounding the Victoria Cup.
“Who knows at that time. You know you have to be going great, but he wouldn’t be out of his depth, would he?” she said.
