Tassie bound Syndrome impresses at Caulfield

Confidence was high leading into the Taranto Handicap at Caulfield on Saturday - the promising Syndrome a hot favourite (despite the impost of 58.5kg) at his first attempt at 2000m.

And he was to live right up to is short quote, the handsome four-year-old always traveling well behind leader Sir Skalahad. Joining the lead at the 400m, he was able to dash clear in the straight - saluting by a soft 3.3 lengths.

Due to head to Tasmania with the Gr.3 Hobart Cup (Feb 8) and possibly the Gr.3 Launceston Cup (Feb 24) the aims, Syndrome is well regarded by the stable.

"He is very lightly raced and he's a nice big horse who looks as though he has got the frame there to go on," Michael Moroney said.
"He is getting there without any doubt."

"We were a little bit worried about the weight he was giving some of the others," he continued, "but he got in the right spot and a long way out he seemed to have them covered,."

"He will go to Tasmania and then we will give him a break and head to Brisbane where he raced well last year."

A four times winner from just ten starts (with a further four placings to his credit), Syndrome has already won over $127,000 for owner Richard Pegum.

Syndrome's impressive victory followed hot on the heels of success by Spontaneous at Moonee Valley on Friday night.

Stepping up to 1600m at only his second run this preparation, the NZ bred gelding raced by Karreman racing settled nicely midfield.

Asked for an effort by Dwayne Dunn, the four-year-old found plenty and considering that his best form has been over longer trips, he looks to have come up extra well this preparation.

Whilst it took a while for Spontaneous to win his second race - having broken his maiden at New Plymouth in September 2008 - he has always shown good ability - competitive with some smart types at black type level.