A jump-out last week has Scallopini primed to tackle a stakes race at Flemington.
The Steven O’Dea and Matt Hoysted-trained eight-year-old returns to Flemington on Saturday to contest the Listed Elms Handicap (1400m).
It was the same course and distance Scallopini was successful over during the spring when he accounted for Pinstriped in the Listed The Sofitel, leading throughout from barrier two.
This time the Queensland-trained galloper has been afforded the ‘visitors draw’ and will start from gate 13 under Damian Lane.
Hoysted said a jump-out at Flemington last week was what Scallopini required to bring him to his top, adding the 1400m journey second-up was ideal.
“He jumped, was up on speed, outside the lead and was there for a more serious hit-out as he’d only had the one run from a little freshen,” Hoysted said.
“I was really happy with the way he stretched out and he pulled-up great.”
After his Flemington victory in the spring, Scallopini returned to Queensland and first-up finished third in the Magic Millions The Syndicate (1200m) on January 19.
Hoysted said the 1200m journey that day was too short.
“The race on Magic Millions Day was an ideal race for him,” Hoysted said.
“But at the 1200 metres, they were a bit sharp for him and when he stepped a little bit slow, he got that little bit too far back.
“He doesn’t have that sharp turn of foot. He’s got that high cruising speed which he can quicken off.
“The 1400 metres is going to suit and he’s going as well as ever.”
Hoysted plans to be back at Flemington on March 4 with Scallopini to contest the Group 3 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap (1400m).
Scallopini is one of three horses O’Dea and Hoysted have in Melbourne for the autumn.
Uncommon James finished second in the Group 2 Rubiton Stakes (1100m) at Sandown last Saturday and is heading towards the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) on February 25 where he will be joined by stablemate Shooting For Gold.
Hoysted said the three horses were in the same three boxes they occupied last spring at Flemington.
“It’s been a very easy transition for them. They’ve settled in well,” Hoysted said.