Flemington preferred option for Go Down

Country trainer Brendon Hearps is keeping his options open as he chases a winning hat-trick with Go Down.

Hearps has to weigh options at Moonee Valley on Friday night, Flemington on Saturday and Bendigo on Sunday.

He’s likely to accept with the mare at all three places before making a final decision.

The Bendigo-based horseman favours starting Go Down at Flemington, although races at the other venues would allow him to engage Brad Rawiller who has ridden the mare to victory at Bendigo in October and Moonee Valley last month.

With 56kg in Saturday’s Benchmark 78 race,the mare’s weight is below Rawiller’s preferred range.

“I wouldn’t mind going to Flemington as I think she’s looking for a little bit of ground now,” Hearps said.

“Anyway we’ll see what happens.

“She’s in a couple at Moonee Valley on Friday night and I think the Flemington race may be light on for numbers.

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“If I think the Flemington race is too tough then Bendigo on Sunday is the back-up.”

Go Down has raced on nine occasions, registering four wins.

She graduated to city success with strong on pace win at Moonee Valley on November 18 after racing on the speed.

Hearps said he would prefer a jockey that can ride close to Go Down’s weight without having to carry too much dead weight.

“She won with 60 (kg) at the Valley the other day with Brad,” Hearps said.

“I know it was against fillies and mares, but I don’t worry too much about weight especially if you’ve got a good jockey on board and not carrying too much dead weight.

“I thought my horse Money Clip could win up at Swan Hill the other day and had Dean Yendall on where he had 59 (kg).

“When Dean handed me the saddle I couldn’t believe how heavy it was, he must have had nearly a stone of dead weight in it.

“This one’s a handy little mare, so we’ll pick the right race and see how we go.”