Matthew Dale's warrior Man Of Peace comes back into work this week as the Canberra trainer eyes off a start in next year's National Sprint.
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The eight-year-old gelding has had a six-week break following his last preparation, which saw him earn a slot and place third in the $1.3 million Kosciuszko.
He'll likely have one run in either Sydney or Melbourne before aiming for the listed National Sprint, which will be run over 1400-metres at the Canberra Carnival on March 7.
Dale claimed the Federal Handicap (2000 metres) at Thoroughbred Park with Royal Thunder on Sunday, in what was the six-year-old's first win for the stable.
He'd been knocking on the door of victory since moving from Lindsay Park earlier this year, backing up a second-place in Wagga Wagga with six days in between.
Royal Thunder, guided by Jeff Penza, dictated the Benchmark 70 race and held the lead from 600 metres, edging out the Jamie Stewart-trained Globalize by 0.92 lengths.
"It was a good and positive ride from Jeff Penza. He got the job done well, these Federals are good prizemoney races and the owners are rapt," Dale said.
"He's been consistent and that was his first win since we took over, so that's always good.
"I'll wait and see [where he races next] with his benchmark. Hell either do a mid-week in Sydney or an open handicap around the country here. There's a lot of different options but I haven't locked one in."
The last three races at Thoroughbred Park were delayed due to a patron needing assistance from the ambulance officer, they then required transport to hospital.
Dale's Nuremberg Castle finished second behind the Snowden-trained Requited once the races resumed in a Class 1 Handicap (1200 metres) under Brodie Loy.
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It was his fourth podium finish in five races without claiming victory, with Dale now considering putting him up in grade to lift his weight.
"That was a close finish, he's just been a horse that's been effected by consistency and constantly going up in the weights without winning," Dale said.
"Then again today, they grabbed him in the last 50 metres and was beaten by a nose.
"He's a horse that's racing well but just needs to get into a race where he's not so poorly weighted."
Nick Olive was the only other local trainer to celebrate victory at the Canberra meet, with Successful Day taking out a Benchmark 60 Handicap (1400 metres) by 2.88 lengths.
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
