Sandown heatwave no worries for Bugari

Bugari was a half-length winner over Sandhurst Delight in the Le Pine Funerals Handicap at Sandown.

Chris Meagher is slowly starting to build on his record since taking over as head trainer of Meagher Racing.

Prior to this season, Chris had been in a training partnership with his father, Melbourne Cup-winning trainer John Meagher, before heading to Singapore last year to help younger brother Dan establish himself.

Returning to Australia, Meagher set up stables at Mornington and has since found his way into the winner’s enclosure on four occasions.

The latest was at Sandown on Wednesday, when Bugari took out the Le Pine Funerals Handicap.

The warm weather had Meagher concerned pre-race, but Bugari showed no ill-effects under Ben Melham to run out a half-length winner over Sandhurst Delight in the 1300m benchmark 64 grade race.

“He was a muck lather before the race,” Meagher said.

“Some it turns off, but it is a hot day, so you can’t crucify them for being hot.”

Bugari was lining up for his fourth start on Wednesday, having won on debut at the Sunshine Coast in May for Meagher senior before two runs on provincial tracks in Victoria from the new Mornington set-up.

Meagher said he was in no rush with Bugari, suggesting the gelding may now have a short break.

“I might send him out to our farm at Huntley Lodge,” Meagher said.

“Dad lives out there so he’ll be able to keep a good eye on him.

“We hope he’s going to be Saturday metropolitan class and may be even a little higher, but he’s got to fill out and grow up a little bit, but I think we’ll have a bit of fun with him.”