Restrictions keep plans modest

PLANS remain modest with Uncle Leo despite impressive victories at his last two starts.

Proving too slick for his opposition, Uncle Leo trounced the field by 26 metres at Globe Derby a week ago before scoring by 15 metres last night.

While he would like to take the son of Always A Virgin across the border, trainer Ray Holberton’s options are obviously limited due to the Coronavirus pandemic, particularly in Victoria.

As such the veteran horseman will continue to find suitable races for Uncle Leo closer to home.

“Ideally I’d head over to Victoria while he is feeling so good,” Holberton said. “I’ve had a lot of problems with his knees and at the moment I seem to have that under control.

“It would be the perfect time to head over the border, but that’s off the table.

“I’ll just have to put him around here again next weekend and then see what’s around after that.”

Eased away from his second row draw, Uncle Leo was settled at the tail of the field as Whoee Johnson worked overtime to find the lead from barrier five.

Taken four-wide along the back straight, the gelding dashed to the front turning for home before striding away to score from Whoee Johnson and Manly Mach in 1:59 over 1800 metres.

“The way he rounded them up down the back was pretty good to watch,” Holberton said.

“He was doing it on his own around the turn and he just cruised up the straight as he pleased.

“I couldn’t be happier with the run and only hope he can take this form into next week.”