Cherry Tortoni’s fate will be decided by his performance in next Saurday’s Exford Plate (1400m) at Flemington, with a spring course to be plotted depending on his showing.
The talented three-year-old won a jumpout in Kerang on Monday morning, and was happy with the way the son of Night Of Thunder has resumed, after a very promising winter campaign that saw him win the listed Taj Rossi Final (1600m).
Watch: Cherry Tortoni beat home fellow Derby hopeful Alcyone in the listed Taj Rossi Final.
Cherry Tortoni maintains his unbeaten record. What a performance from the Patrick Payne galloper and a super ride from Billy Egan. 🍒 pic.twitter.com/vmCLmXkmfk
— Racing.com (@Racing) July 4, 2020
“He quickened up really well and stargazed when he got to the front like he normally does so I’d say he was pretty much in range,” Payne said of Monday’s jumpout.
“That was his second trial – he had one at Tatura about 14 days ago – so he’s ready now and we’re planning on running him in the Exford Plate over 1400m.
“It’ll be the easy option or the hard option after that, we’ll work it out from there.
“I’ve always been inclined to aim a little lower and take the easier option but we’ll see if he puts his hand up.”
Cherry Tortoni is a $26 chance for the Caulfield Guineas (1600m), and an $11 chance for the Victoria Derby.
