London Banker Cashes In Again

Consistent 6YO gelding London Banker (Tavistock-Palos de Lago, by Encosta de Lago) is proving a handy addition to the stable of Eagle Farm trainer Kelly Schweida, reports racingnews.co.nz. The son of ill-fated sire Tavistock (Montjeu) made it three wins in succession when landing an Open Handicap over 2000m at Doomben on Saturday, narrowly prevailing under a well-timed James Orman ride. Raced by Ron and Judy Wanless, who have enjoyed Group 1 success with Kiwi-bred horses like Amalfi (Carnegie) and Lights Of Heaven (Zabeel), London Banker transferred to Schweida after commencing his career in New Zealand in the care of Roger James and Robert Wellwood, for whom he won on four occasions. “He is definitely well above average, Schweida opined.” If he was going to get rolled it would have been today because we gave him ten days up at Washpool Lodge on their water walker. They do a great job.” Ridden patiently by Orman, London Banker – his dam is a half-sister to multiple Group 1 winner El Seguno (Pins) – was back in the second half of the field and took a while to wind up before knuckling down late to the cheers of punters who sent him out $2.30 favourite.” The further he goes, the better he will be,” enthused Schweida. “I think he will run 2400m on his ear. There are a lot of nice Cup races around.”

London Banker has a Group 1 pedigree (pic: Grant Peters Trackside Photography)