Robert Agnew will keep all options open, including a crack at a lucrative $2 million Sydney feature, if Talma I Love Her can break his maiden in Friday’s opener at Scone.
The Port Macquarie trainer believes the son of Sooboog has above average ability for a country horse as his juvenile prepares to line up for his second start in the Darley Scone Cup Carnival May 12 and 13 2YO Handicap (900m).
Agnew will use his second-up test to see how his juvenile measures up against some powerhouse Sydney yards before getting carried away.
But he plans to give Talma I Love Her every opportunity to put his hand up for bigger things in the coming weeks.
“If he was to win at Scone, he is paid up for the Inglis Millennium,” Agnew said.
“He would have about $20,000 in prizemoney and a couple of first starters got in the race last year so if he was to win, you would have to strongly consider it.
“But if not, he will go straight to the Scone Inglis Challenge.
“I don’t want to go down to Sydney to run 10th but if he was to win, he would enjoy the 1100m there.
“With that said, it wouldn’t surprise me if he did blow them away.”
Agnew’s sprinter finished two and a quarter lengths off the promising Gerety in his only race start when second in an 808m scamper at Coffs Harbour earlier this month.
“Everything come up so quick for him,” Agnew said.
Brooke Stower will pilot Talma I Love Her and will also link up with Agnew’s other runner of the afternoon, the returning filly, Press Lightly.
Press Lightly finished third in her only start at Taree last preparation and contests the Welcome Scone RSL Maiden Plate (1100m) in her first start back from a spell.
“She is a really nice horse,” Agnew said.
“She might be a touch underdone for Scone on Friday but she is an above average horse and will win a few races for me.
“At home she has been going great but the only thing is, she is a big heavy horse turned at the legs.
“Injuries have plagued her for her whole life but touch wood she has grown up now and we can put that down to growing pain.
“If she gets a good bit of luck and the speed is on, I think she can run really well.”
Press Lightly a tricky barrier 14 to contend with.
