Elvis Looks to Melbourne

Tuesday, 24 September 2019 | Brisbane-based Brian Dais believes Looks Like Elvis is the best horse he’s trained and is making sure only the best will do for the Group 1-bound son of Geisel Park sire All American.

Dais decided to keep Looks Like Elvis at home for an easy pay-day in the Makers Mark Hcp (1835m) at Eagle Farm on the weekend instead heading to the G3 Newcastle Cup.  The lightly-raced stayer did the rest with a last-to-first victory against an outclassed field of locals.

“He just keeps improving but I was worried he wouldn't get a start down there.  After Saturday’s win, his rating should improve enough for stakes races at the spring carnivals.  I haven't ruled out Sydney but at the moment I’m looking at Melbourne.”

Looks Like Elvis will likely be set for the G1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on October 5 or LR Cranbourne Cup (2025m) on October 13.  He also holds an entry for the G1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) worth $5 million on October 19.  

Dais took him to Flemington for a reconnaissance mission in February and he was unlucky when going down a nose to German import Schabau.  “He was very brave that day and we were very proud of him.  Now the main thing is to find dry tracks."

Looks Like Elvis (5g All American - Savalook by Savabeel) completed a hat-trick at Eagle Farm and his only blemish this season was a narrow loss in the Coffs Harbour Cup on August 1.  His bank-balance stands at $455,760 for owner Jim Critchley after changing hands for $110,000 at the 2016 Inglis Classic Sale.

“That was our final bid and luckily no-one came over the top,” Dais recalled.  “I like the All Americans but it was obvious this one would need time.”

All American sired Looks Like Elvis in the same season as last year’s G1 Queensland Derby winner Dark Dream.  They are at the forefront of 37 individual winners from that crop with total prizemoney growing to $5.29 million.

Geisel Park stands All American for a $6,600 (inc GST) service with French Group 1 winner Vert de Grece ($5,500).