26 Sep 2017
A famous set of racing colours no stranger to success in some of Australia's biggest races have been carried to victory at Flemington on a son of Tavistock.
And in a little over a month they could again be seen aboard the winner of the Victoria Derby.
Tavistock Abbey took out Wednesday's Victoria Derby Trial (1800m) in the colours carried by Carbine in the 1800s and more recently by Cox Plate winner Super Impose.
Anthony Freedman, who trains Tavistock Abbey, said the colours have barely been seen since Super Impose, who was trained by his brother Lee, last raced in the 1992 Melbourne Cup.
"John Newton was in Super Impose and his family own the colours," Freedman said.
"When he came into the horse he asked if the colours could be used. I don't think we've had a runner in them since and I'm sure there hasn't been too many runners in them since."
Tavistock Abbey leapt to equal $7 favouritism with Royal Symphony for November's Victoria Derby (2500m) following his half-head win over Main Stage on Wednesday.
Freedman said the Derby was the obvious target with the trainer expecting continued improvement.
"We'll plot a course through to the Derby and if we're happy with him on Derby day he can run," Freedman said.
"If it comes a bit quick then we might wait for the autumn."
Tavistock Abbey was purchased from Rich Hill Stud's 2016 NZB draft for $200,000 while the runner up Main Stage was a $150,000 purchase from Kilmore Farm's 2016 NZB Ready To Run draft. -AAP