Trainer Chris Anderson has more than a sentimental reason for hoping Subsolar runs well in the Open staying handicap at the Sunshine Coast.
Subsolar,who runs over 2400m on Saturday, was one of the first horses given to Anderson by the late racing legend Dato Tan Chin Nam.
Anderson got to know Dato Tan's Australian manager Duncan Ramage when the late Bart Cummings and then his grandson James stabled their horses with him in Brisbane during the winter.
The Eagle Farm trainer has since won more than a dozen races for Dato Tan's Think Big Stud.
Subsolar has won five races but Anderson believes the tally could be higher had there been more races at 2200m or further for her.
The mare is bred to win a Melbourne Cup being by Pendragon out of Daylami mare Garryurra.
Subsolar added weight to Anderson's theory when she demolished a Sunshine Coast restricted class field at her first try at 2200m two weeks ago.
“It is always great to win a race for Dato. He was always very good up me,” Anderson said.
“I am also keen to see if my theory on the mare is correct. She is six years old and she is up to open company but it is our first chance to get her to 2400 metres.”
Anderson like many trainers hopes the return of Eagle Farm to racing will mean more long distance races on Saturdays.
Racing Queensland has introduced several innovations to encourage stayers but has been handicapped by Saturday racing being restricted to Doomben where the maximum distance is 2200m.
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