Giant-killer set for Conquering Stakes

Swettenham Stud homebred Livermore will step up to stakes company following his last-start victory in Launceston.

Part-owner and trainer Brendan McShane will target the LR Conquering Stakes (1400m) on December 7 to evaluate whether the giant gelding is ready to be set for summer features like the Thomas Lyons Stakes (1400m) and George Adams Plate (1600m).

His next lead-up to the carnival will be in the Tas Hospitality Association Hcp (1200m) in Launceston on Wednesday evening.  “His rating needs to rise to ensure a start in those sorts of races,” McShane explained.  “He’s been a work in progress and all we needed to do was give him time to mature and be patient.”

Livermore (Host) is one helluva horse standing 17.3 hands.  “I knew from the start he had the talent but we didn’t race him as a 2yo.  In hindsight, I should have got him going early and then gone easy – he really started growing as a 3yo.”

McShane had targeted a Launceston Cup (2400m) campaign earlier this year after Livermore won two in a row but those plans were derailed after a Sydeston Night Cup (2115m) loss in February.  “The jury is still out on his best distances,” McShane explained.  “He can stay and he’s also shown a great turn of foot in sprints.”

McShane’s family races Livermore in partnership with Sue Oldham and Swettenham Stud’s Adam Sangster.  Oldham boards her mares at Swettenham where Sangster has a Master Of Design colt on the ground from Livermore’s dam Quite the Lady (Elusive Quality).

LIVERMORE

LIVERMORE