10 Sep 2021Progressive stayer London Banker extended his winning sequence at Doomben this afternoon and will head to the spelling paddock for a well-deserved break.
The talented son of Tavistock was saddled with 59kg in a Benchmark 90 handicap over 2020 metres and gave weight to all of his rivals, but it mattered not as he put them away comfortably under rider James Orman for his fourth win on the bounce.
They settled in third spot on the rail, angled off the fence before the turn and then finished resolutely.
“I was a bit concerned as he went up 3.5kg and he’s at the end of his campaign. He usually hits a flat spot and takes a bit of riding, but Jim knows him and got the job done,” trainer Kelly Schweida said.
“He’s at his best when he gets to 2200 metres or further and there are some nice race for him next year – he’s going for a deserved spell now.”
London Banker was a four-time winner from the stable of Roger James and Robert Wellwood before relocating to Schweida’s Eagle Farm operation and has held his form admirably from his new quarters.
He was a $100,000 purchase out of Kilgravin Lodge’s draft by James on behalf of prominent owners Ron and Judy Wanless.