Owner Lloyd Williams considers international trip for Mackinnon Stakes runner-up Latrobe

Lloyd Williams’ Irish import Latrobe ran a bold race to finish runner-up in Saturday’s Mackinnon Stakes. The question now is whether the three-year-old stays at Macedon Lodge or chases riches abroad.

Mark Zahra aboard Latrobe after finishing runner up in the Mackinnon Stakes. Pic: Getty Images

A decision on star Irish colt Latrobe’s future will be made this week.

Owner Lloyd Williams is considering either spelling the three-year-old at Macedon Lodge or a tilt at the Longines international meeting in Hong Kong next month.

Latrobe finished second to Trap For Fools in Saturday’s Mackinnon Stakes at Flemington.

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The Irish Derby winner was paid up as a late entry on Wednesday for the $8 million Japan Cup on November 25.

Joseph O’Brien said on Saturday he was unsure if he would continue training Latrobe, pending discussions on the horse’s future.

Latrobe (white cap) ridden couldn’t run down Trap For fools in the Mackinnon. Pic: Michael Klein

“I am not sure yet,” he said. “I guess Lloyd and Nick will think it about it,” he said.

O’Brien was delighted with Latrobe’s Australian debut.

“I can’t ask for any more than that really. He ran a fantastic race. Mark (Zahra) gave him a great ride. We are very proud of the horse,” O’Brien said.

“The winner (Trap For Fools) got a couple of slow fractions down the back and that was probably the winning and losing of the race for us.

“I am delighted for Lloyd and Nick. Obviously frustrated that we didn’t win but he’s come pretty close.”

Owner Lloyd Williams. Pic: getty Images

Latrobe in full flight. Pic: Getty Images

O’Brien believes Latrobe could develop into one of Europe’s premier stayers next year, if the horse returns to Ireland.

“He has all the big 10 and 12-furlong (2000-2400m) races on his radar,” he said.

“Probably 12 furlongs is his best trip. He’s going to be a more mature horse next year. He was one of the biggest horses in the paddock in the race and he is only three.”

O’Brien said planning had started for next spring.

“It’s hard to find a horse good enough to take down,” he said. “It’s very competitive here. You have to bring your A-game and you need plenty of luck and you need to get the rub of the green.

“There’s no point coming here with your B-team.”