Stakes Success for London Banker (NZ)

Karaka graduate London Banker (NZ) (Tavistock) landed his second black-type win in Friday’s A$150,000 Listed Roku Gin Brisbane Handicap (1640m) at Doomben, just a few weeks before his half-brother goes through the ring during Book 1 of Karaka 2023.

London Banker was a $100,000 purchase from the 2017 Premier Sale, and he has now won 10 of his 31 starts and A$504,594 in stakes for owners Ron and Judy Wanless.

Previously the winner of the Group Three Tattersall’s Cup over 2400 metres, the seven-year-old gelding demonstrated his versatility on Friday with a Listed victory over 800 metres shorter.

Ridden by James Orman, London Banker sat in third place on the rail before angling to the outside at the home turn to lodge his challenge. He worked through his gears and surged into contention through the final 200 metres, fighting off four challengers in a blanket finish to score a narrow but impressive win.

“London Banker proved too good in the Listed Brisbane Handicap at Doomben,” said a post on the Facebook page of trainer Kelly Schweida. “Well ridden by Jimmy Orman, and congratulations to the Wanless family and staff.”

Kilgravin Lodge will offer London Banker’s half-brother, a colt by Proisir, as Lot 406 during Book 1 of Karaka 2023.