Weir draws level in metropolitan record

Darren Weir shares the record of most winners in the metropolitan area of Melbourne following a winning treble at Sandown.

The victory of Plein Ciel in the Ladbrokes Handicap (1600m) on Saturday was Weir’s 115th win for the season, levelling him with the 2005/06 season total of Lee Freedman.

Weir had earlier success on Saturday with Cliff’s Edge in the Clanbrooke Racing Handicap and Renew in the Australian Hurdle.

Plein Ciel could head to Brisbane for some of the later carnival Cup races following his win on Saturday.

Ridden by apprentice Ben Allen, Plein Ciel was sent out the $2.10 favourite before scoring by 1-3/4 lengths from Petrology ($10), with Coldstone ($14) a half-neck away third.

Weir said the Ipswich Cup or the Caloundra Cup could be suitable races for the German-bred galloper.

“A trip away will do the horse the world of good but I’d say he’ll have another run here before he goes,” Weir said.

“He’s a big track horse and the Sunshine Coast would suit him but the trip at Ipswich might suit him better.

“His pedigree suggests he will like a trip but I’m thinking 2000 metres at the moment.

“I certainly hope he does get out further but we’ll get him out to 2000 and then work it out from there.”

Weir praised his team at Warrnambool for their work with Plein Ciel.

He said the four-year-old takes a bit of managing because he is a big, heavy horse on little legs “but he’s nice and sound and has a bright future”.