Bandipur fitter for Bletchingly challenge

Former Godolphin sprinter Bandipur will have his second start for Richard Laming at Caulfield.

In the short time Bandipur has been with Richard Laming, the gelding has shown the trainer a sign of his toughness.

A former member of the Godolphin team, Bandipur was purchased by a client of Laming’s last month on the Gold Coast and will line up for his second run for the trainer in Saturday’s Group Three Bletchingly Stakes at Caulfield.

Bandipur was successful for James Cummings at Caulfield on June 1 before going through a mixed sale less than a week later.

The rising five-year-old returned to Victoria and Laming’s Cranbourne stable soon after where he was prepared for a shot at the Sir John Monash Stakes, finishing sixth to Oak Door on July 13.

“He is very tough,” Laming said.

“He put on a lot of weight in a short amount of time when he came into my yard and we’ve learned a lot in a short amount of time about him.”

Leading into the Monash Stakes, Laming gave Bandipur two pieces of work and was happy with the gelding’s performance behind Oak Door.

With some extra grounding and a strong gallop at Cranbourne on Tuesday, Laming is looking forward to Saturday’s contest.

Damien Oliver takes over on Saturday from Craig Williams who rides last-start Caulfield winner Miss Vixen.

“I was very happy with his first-up run,” Laming said.

“He didn’t get a lot of luck in the run, he was wide with no cover and lost a little momentum on the corner, but wasn’t beaten all that far.

“The draw hasn’t been kind to us again, he’s drawn nine, but Ollie goes on and if he can get some luck in running, if he can get in three wide with some cover, he’ll give it a shake.”

Yet to be tried beyond 1200m, Laming sees no reason why Bandipur won’t stretch to 1400m.

“The way he raced the other day Craig said he relaxed very good, a lot better than he has done in the past,” Laming said.

“So 1400 metres I think definitely wouldn’t be in doubt.

“If he’s strong through the line on Saturday, I wouldn’t be frightened to step him up in trip.”