An intriguing runner to step out over the weekend is the Emma-Lee and David Browne trained Elephant who takes his place in the Benchmark 84 at Caulfield.
Elephant is undefeated after his four career starts to date, with his latest win coming at the start of the year at Ellerslie, winning by three lengths over 1500 metres.
Co Trainer David Browne holds a reserved judgement on his star galloper but believes he has the talent to step up into tough company on Saturday.
“He’s got plenty of ability, he should match up as long as he’s done everything right but it’s hard to gauge really.
“We’ve gone through the grades in New Zealand and then up another level here but it’s a nice progressive step for him,” said Browne.
The unbeaten Kiwi has run over 1400, 1500 and 1600 metres in his four career starts and kicks off his Australian preparation over the 1400 around Caulfield.
The five-year-old son of Shocking has some eye-raising nominations in for the Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup with the New Zealand trainer insisting you can’t win it if you’re not in it.
“You put them in and hope for the best, if you’re not in it you can’t win it.
“If he steps up, definitely you look at races like that. Obviously would have to measure up a fair bit first, we’ll see how he goes,” he said.
Elephant isn’t the only peculiar named horse in the Emma-Lee and David Browne stable with travelling companion Rhinoceros entered in on Sunday in Race 1 at Cranbourne.
“He goes quite well, he’s trialled up well. Hopefully he can get over here and do a bit as well,” said Browne.
However, all eyes will be on Elephant on Saturday when he steps out in Race 5 at Caulfield. Damian Lane is engaged to ride and the five-year-old gelding is the current $3.80 favourite.
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