Connections of Looks Like Elvis have resisted the temptation to chase extra prizemoney in Sydney and will instead keep the horse fresh for a shot at a Victorian stakes target on New Year’s Day.
The gelding was among nominations for the Acy Securities Handicap at Randwick on Saturday and while trainer Jarrod Austin said he gave serious consideration to a start, in the end he decided to keep his powder dry.
Looks Like Elvis broke a long drought from the winner’s circle with a last-start victory in the Vobis Gold Bullion at Pakenham where he appreciated a return to a firm surface after being plagued by rain-affected tracks in Sydney.
“We are going to save him for another day and he will go back down to Melbourne for the Chester Manifold (Stakes),” Austin said.
“The Chester Manifold was always our main plan but then he came back from Melbourne so well and recovered really quickly so we nominated for Randwick.
“When we weighed it all up and after I had a chat to the owners, we decided to keep him fresh for our main target.”
The winner of nine of his 52 starts, Looks Like Elvis has placed in seven black-type races, including a close second to Atishu in the Group 3 Bill Ritchie Handicap at Randwick in September.
The Listed Chester Manifold Stakes (1400m) is at Flemington on January 1.