Picture: Steve Hart
Prime jockey James McDonald has opted to stay with in-form sprinter Willaidow for his newest task.
A $1 million alternative interrupted Willaidow’s momentum final marketing campaign, however with no such distractions this time round, coach Marc Conners is hoping the gelding can proceed to select up some Sydney Saturday prizemoney.
The flippantly uncovered six-year-old will line up for simply his 14th begin within the Mounties Group Handicap (1200m) at Rosehill, trying to again up two sturdy return runs, together with a last-start win at Randwick.
It follows his most up-to-date preparation when he was aimed on the Provincial-Halfway Championships after successive victories through the summer season, qualifying for the characteristic earlier than his kind tapered off.
“Final preparation he gained these couple of races then we half-decided we’d have a crack on the Halfway Championships,” Conners stated.
“We needed to cease and begin his preparation a bit and his runs had been pretty spaced, which most likely didn’t swimsuit him. His final two runs he was simply excessive.
“However he had a pleasant break, got here again and now he’s racing in a pleasant sequence and he appears to be appreciating it.”
In a vote of confidence, James Mcdonald has ridden Willaidow at his previous two begins and sticks with him on Saturday the place he has drawn barrier two within the bumper discipline of 18 plus two reserves.
Conners has been happy together with his gelding’s development and having purchased him as an unraced three-year-old at an internet dispersal sale, he believes the horse continues to be on an upward spiral.
“He had a little bit of a late begin, however in hindsight, it has most likely been a very good factor for him as a result of he had loads of time to develop,” Conners stated.
“He’s a beautiful horse.
“Although he’s six, he’s like a three-year-old. He nonetheless doesn’t know what it’s all about but.”
In that vein, Conners gained’t be tempted to lift the bar past Saturday metropolitan firm for Willaidow this marketing campaign.
The objective is to proceed to take the sprinter by his grades within the hope of seasoning him to step as much as black-type stage down the monitor.
“We’d have a look at one thing subsequent preparation. We’re simply making an attempt to develop the horse,” Conners stated.
“I do know he’s six, however I’m hoping the very best is but to come back within the subsequent couple of years.”
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