Well-bred Divan Set To Resume At Sandown

A midweek maiden race at Sandown is set to launch the campaign of well-bred colt Divan who has had support to figure in important spring races.

By Zabeel out of seven-time New Zealand Group One-winning mare Seachange, three-year-old Divan is at $26 in Caulfield Guineas markets and has been well-supported in Cox Plate betting, firming from $151 to $31 with one wagering outlet.

Divan made an impression in his only race appearance to date in the Anzac Day Stakes at Flemington as a juvenile.

After jumping awkwardly, losing a couple of lengths, and then being held up near the home turn, the colt ran on down the outside to finish in a dead-heat for third behind smart youngster Merion.

Divan, who is part of prominent owner Lloyd Williams' Macedon Lodge team, is entered to kick off his three-year-old season in the Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa Plate (1400m) on Wednesday with Damien Oliver booked to ride him from a wide barrier in a capacity field.

"He's obviously very well bred and he ran super in his only start," Oliver said.

"He's a nice horse to be riding."

While Oliver has not been aboard the well-bred colt, he has competed against him having finished just behind him when fifth aboard Royal Standing in the Anzac Day Stakes (1410m) in April.

"I think that was a reasonably strong race for that time of year, and it was a very good run," Oliver said.

"So I think the expectations are obvious with his pedigree and the run he put in that day."

Divan is due to start from the second outside barrier but Oliver hopes he can overcome that.

"I haven't looked at the race closely yet, but Sandown is a good roomy track so he should get his chance," he said.