Picture: Steve Hart
Will fortune lastly favour luckless gelding Territory Specific in The Gong?
Jason Collett is resigned to the truth that he will likely be extra reliant on luck than good administration as he tries to coax one other win out of Territory Specific within the $1 million The Gong at Kembla Grange.
The Provincial-Halfway Championships Ultimate victor within the autumn, Territory Specific has a get-back racing sample that may usually play in opposition to him, as was the case within the 5 Diamonds (1800m) final begin when he was disillusioned for runs within the straight earlier than charging residence for fifth.
With common rider Zac Lloyd suspended, Collett reunites with the Paul Niceforo-trained gelding in The Gong (1600m) on Saturday, nicely conscious it is going to take some luck, in addition to an excellent steer, to get the horse again within the winner’s circle.
“Early days I rode him just a few occasions and his racing sample hasn’t modified,” Collett mentioned.
“He’s nonetheless sluggish out of the gates, and he will get into tough positions resulting from that. However when he will get the luck, he can get out of them.
“He’s received mountains of sophistication however he’s tough to at all times get proper.
“All of the work they’ve executed and it hasn’t been in a position to change, so clearly that’s him and we’ve got to work with that.”
Territory Specific has drawn nicely in barrier seven and has been racing in super coronary heart all through the spring, ending an eye catching sixth first-up within the Alan Brown Stakes (1400m) then simply lacking behind Iknowastar within the 5 Diamonds Prelude (1500m).
Collett will associate Frilled for Matthew Smith within the day’s different characteristic, the Group 3 The Warra (1000m).
The mare hasn’t been far-off in three Melbourne runs and she or he does maintain the Kembla Grange 1000m observe report of 55.79 seconds, set in September final yr.
4 of her wins have been over the gap, though she is chasing her first success in simply over 12 months.
“She has received an excellent report however now up in grade, she might be beginning to discover her mark,” Collett mentioned.
“However in addition to the highest couple, the remainder are racing above their benchmark so she’s in all probability not badly positioned.”
Collett has ridden 22 metropolis winners to date this season to take a seat third on the Sydney jockeys’ premiership, behind solely James McDonald (45 wins) and Tim Clark (25).
*Current prospects solely. 2nd Racing guess. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Gamble responsibly.
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