Dandy Gent back in form at Moonee Valley

Co-trainer Terry O’Sullivan is eyeing a stakes race at Flemington after Dandy Gent returned to winning form at Moonee Valley.

The Listed Bagot Handicap (2800m) at Flemington on New Year’s Day is in O’Sullivan’s sights after Dandy Gent won Saturday’s Bertocchi Christmas Masterpiece Handicap (2500m).

O’Sullivan last won the Bagot with Water Snow in 1993.

Now training in partnership with daughter Karina, O’Sullivan said Dandy Gent was gaining fitness with every run after suffering a suspensory injury earlier in the year.

“He was going to go to the Adelaide Cup and we had to abort those plans,” O’Sullivan said.

“They said it wasn’t a major injury but the vets kept holding me up and I was getting toey.”

“Coming back from an injury they usually take a few runs.

“I thought his run at Sandown was great in top company and at Pakenham the other day, from where we drew, we didn’t quite get to the right part of the track.”

Ridden by Dean Yendall, Dandy Gent ($7) scored a half-length win from Ormito ($9.50) with Dornier ($71) 2-1/2 lengths away third.

O’Sullivan plans a short break after the Bagot before another attempt at the Adelaide Cup at Morphettville in March.

“He’s never had a crack at two miles but I think he’ll run it,” O’Sullivan said.