Tavistock Abbey had to dig deep but enhanced his Victoria Derby claims with a fighting win in Wednesday's Victoria Derby Trial (1800m) at Flemington.
Tavistock Abbey climbed in Derby betting after his soft win in a Bendigo maiden on September 14 but the Anthony Freedman-trained gelding had to work a lot harder in Wednesday's $50,000 contest,
Michael Walker gave Main Stage a comfortable run behind the leaders before sending his mount clear at the 300m. Tavistock Abbey wound up to hit his top at the 250m before wearing down Main Stage late to get home by a half-head.
Freedman said Tavistock Abbey, which eased from $3 to $4.60 in betting, would benefit from his maiden city contest.
"He wasn't as dominant today as he was at Bendigo but he got the job done and he'll probably improve off it," Freedman said.
Freedman said the Victoria Derby was "the obvious way to go" but the three-year-old would need to continue to develop.
"He's got to keep doing it as they all do but he was strong today," Freedman said.
"We have got various options. We could go to the Caulfield Classic, the (Moonee Valley) Vase, Geelong (Classic) so we'll just plot a course through to the Derby.
"If we're happy come Derby day, we'll run but if it comes up a bit quick for him, we might wait for the autumn. We'll see."
Mutamayel firmed from $13 to $10 and worked home to finish third, four lengths from the winner.
Sportsbet installed Tavistock Abbey as a $9 equal favourite with Royal Symphony in its latest Victoria Derby market.
