A SHORT break before an interstate trek...that's the plan with promising pacer Fly The Banner.
Continuing his strong form by capturing last night's Emerging Stars Final at Globe Derby, Fly The Banner will be rewarded by having "a nice freshen-up" according to trainer Robbie Caton.
Upon his return, the three-year-old will be readied for a New South Wales campaign in a bid to win his state-bred bonus.
"He's done a huge job this season," Caton said. "He's had 11 starts for five wins and five placings, so you can't ask for much more.
"I'll give him about 10 days off now, then look for the next suitable option.
"I plan on heading home to Shepparton soon, so I'll take him with me and see if I can jump across the border to New South Wales to pick up his bonus.
"Further ahead, I'll reckon he has earned a crack at the Derby here in a few months, so that's the way I'll go."
With Samantha Pascoe in the cart, Fly The Banner was rushed away from the pole to battle for the lead as Santa Casa Lane was sent forward in search of the front from barrier three.
Able to hold the inside running, Fly The Banner was given little peace during the middle stages as Quick Dip and Buzz Bomb were taken to the 'death seat'.
Showing tremendous intestinal fortitude during the latter stages, the gelding staved off a late challenge from Quick Dip to score by a half-neck.
Buzz Bomb battled on gallantly to be three metres away third in 1:58.9 over 1800 metres.
"I was pretty confident with him heading into the race, but knew he had a battle on his hands," Caton said. "There was some good form around him, so any winner was always going to have to earn it.
"It got close at the finish, but I was rapt with the way he battled on as he had to work at both ends."
