London Banker signs off on winning note

[Wandering Eyes]

Progressive stayer London Banker (NZ) (Tavistock) extended his winning sequence at Doomben on Saturday 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 2020m 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 2200m 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.

By the late Cambridge Stud stallion Tavistock, London Banker is out of Palos de Lago (NZ), an Encosta de Lago half-sister to star galloper El Segundo (NZ) (Pins).

The six-year-old advanced his record to eight wins from 22 starts with A$261,359 in prizemoney.

Tavistock also sired Sunday’s impressive Cranbourne winner Gunstock (NZ), who prevailed over 1600m at his second start.

Out of the unraced mare Zeranti, Gunstock is bred on the successful Tavistock – Zabeel cross and will be aimed at the Gr.1 VRC Derby (2500m) by trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr.

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