Prominent horseman Michael Stanley is planning a major assault on the Vicbred Super Series.
Based in New South Wales, the former Victorian will return home with several talented youngsters headed by defending champion Soho Trump.
Successful in last season’s Two-Year-Old Final, Soho Trump will attempt to retain his title, beginning with heats in Kilmore on August 27.
The son of Captain Crunch served notice to potential rivals with his victory at Club Menangle yesterday.
After working to the lead from barrier seven, Soho Trump covered the mile in a slick 1:51.8 to account for Uptown Chance and Opas Girl.
“He had a good break after the Bathurst Gold series and has come back in terrific shape,” Stanley said. “He’s going back for another shot at the Vicbred.
“That was an ideal hit-out for him and will tighten him up nicely.”
In a scary proposition, Soho Trump is considered Stanley’s second-stringer behind Soho Charmer.
First-up for several weeks, Soho Charmer outclassed older rivals at Club Menangle last Saturday night, scoring in 1:51.8 for the 1609-metre trip.
“He performed below his best in Queensland, which came down to him not settling and acting like the colt he is,” Stanley said. “We made the decision to geld him, and the difference has been substantial.
“He’s become a lot more relaxed and focused, which showed on the weekend.”
Stanley will also target the two-year-old division with yesterday’s ultra-impressive debutante Soho Bellagio.
Creating a buzz during a recent trial, Soho Bellagio lived up to the hype with a brilliant front-running display.
Winning his hit-out in 1:53.9 on August 8, Soho Bellagio notched an official time of 1:53.1 under race conditions.
With Stanley in the cart, Soho Bellagio was never seriously challenged as he led throughout to score by 24-and-a-half metres from Luciendo Bien, with Wildfire Stride a metre-and-a-half away in third.
“He did it very easily,” Stanley said. “I never pushed him at any stage and he did it all under his own steam.”
“It’s still only early days with him, but everything he has done so far suggests he is a very nice type.
“I believe he can keep improving and go a long way.”
PHOTOS: Stu McCormick
