Telegraph hopes for new look sprinter

Passing Shot will strip a fit horse on Saturday, but the unknown factor will be his attitude.

The five-year-old has undergone surgery since he last raced and trainer Stephen McKee is not entirely sure what to expect of the sprinter in the Gr.1 J. R. & N. Berkett Telegraph at Trentham.

“We had to try and turn him around so we’ve gelded him, he wasn’t trying too hard before,” the Ardmore trainer said.

“Obviously it’s a tough race to come back in, but he’s certainly been going well enough at home.”

Passing Shot is a multiple stakes winner with past victories in the Gr.3 Mr Tiz Trophy and at Listed level in the Lightning Handicap and the NZB Finance Sprint before his form tailed off.

The Swiss Ace speedster failed to make any impression in four appearances in Melbourne during the late winter and spring.

His run of outs continued on his return when he beat only one runner home in the Listed Counties Bowl in November at his last appearance.

“He seems pretty close to the mark again, but he does have to apply himself on race day,” McKee said.

“He usually goes well at Trentham and for Opie as well.”

Bosson has ridden Passing Shot eight times for five wins and two placings, while the horse has been successful three times on the capital city course. He was also runner-up in the Gr.2 Wellington Guineas.

McKee will also be represented at Trentham by O’Rachael (3YO Premier), Poetic Affair (Kitchen Creators Premier) and Novelty (20th Anniversary Aurora Australis Premier).

“O’Rachael’s in good form, but she’s not that well-placed at the weights, but Poetic Affair looks like the 2300 metres will be ideal for her, she finishes off her races well,” McKee said.

“Novelty won really well last time out at Rotorua and she should go well again.”