Sargent zeroes in on Australia

Thursday 12 June 2014, 4:22pm

John Sargent is poised to increase his impact on Australian racing after deciding to close down his New Zealand base.

Sargent had been dividing his time between stables at Matamata and Randwick before making the decision this week to focus his energies on Sydney.

"I want to concentrate here now. It's very vibrant, the prizemoney is great and I'm enjoying it," Sargent said.

Sargent relocated to Sydney fulltime last August when the Australian Turf Club granted him 24 boxes at Randwick but he admitted flying back to New Zealand every few weeks to check on his team there had taken its toll.

The Group One winning trainer confirmed he would close his Matamata stable at the end of the month with Lance O'Sullivan to take over his barn.

Sargent hopes his decision to concentrate on one venue will be rewarded handsomely, although he doesn't expect to see the full benefits for at least 12 months.

"It's going to take another year or two to get the systems going," he said.

"But here, you have to get off your backside, get out there and get owners and it gives you a new lease of life."

Sargent will figure at Saturday's Rosehill meeting where he saddles up Iggi Pop in the final race.

Formerly with John O'Shea before he linked with Darley, Iggi Pop has raced twice for Sargent finishing fifth in the Hawkesbury Gold Cup and a last-start sixth over 1800m at Randwick.

"He should be at his peak for me on Saturday," Sargent said.

"He's drawn well and he's worked well."

Pending the horse's performance, Sargent will consider several options for Iggi Pop including the Winter Cup at Rosehill in two weeks.

VRC Oaks winner Kirramosa is also back in work and is likely to kick off her campaign in Sydney ahead of a tilt at the Cups races in Melbourne.

"She's been back for five weeks and she's ticking over nicely," Sargent said.

– AAP

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