Imposing last-start winner Mr Hooper faces a different kettle of fish this Friday as he rises in class in the $70,000 Canada Cup 2019 Class 3 Division 2 race over 1200m, but trainer James Peters saw no reason why his charge would not make his presence felt.
Donning blinkers for the first time, the Oscar Racing Stable-owned three-year-old son of Shamexpress gave his Kranji Stakes D rivals a real hiding at his last start on February 3.
No doubt the four-kilo claim from vastly-improved apprentice jockey Syahir Abdul played a significant part in the 5 ¼-length cakewalk, but it’s also true that the horses that made up the beaten brigade that day are not a patch on his new rivals on Friday.
Just the topweight alone is a daunting prospect enough - Lee Freedman’s much-vaunted Jomo who is seeking to make amends from his first career defeat at his fourth start in a Class 3 race over 1000m on February 6.
With the handicapper having slapped Mr Hooper with eight points following the Kranji Stakes D romp (his second win at Kranji), taking on tougher challenges next is par for the course.
“He was impressive at his last win even if it was at a much lower level,” said Peters.
“He’s an improving sort with a lot of upside. He’s done nothing wrong since he arrived and has done very well since his last run.
“It’s not going to be easy to beat Jomo, but I still expect him to improve further on Friday.”
Benny Woodworth has been booked for the ride. The first-time pairing jumps from barrier No 8.
Peters also saddles Julius Caesar in the same event. Even if the I Am Invincible five-year-old has not saluted since July last year, Peters does not really see that as a dip in form, but just that he had been punching a little above his weight.
He sticks around in Class 3, but has drawn further out than his stablemate in 10.
At his last start in that same race Jomo got beat on February 6, Julius Caesar was resuming from his December break and made steady ground for sixth, just under four lengths off Elite Power.
While all his four wins have been recorded on Polytrack (last one came in a Class 3 race over 1000m in July), Peters thought there would be no harm in testing the China Horse Club-owned gelding over grass again (three starts from his 21 were on turf, all producing unplaced finishes).
“Julius Caesar is well. It’s just that he has got too high in the ratings,” said the British handler.
“He’s now back in Class 3. His better form has been on Polytrack, but there was no such race and that turf race was a nice race for him.
“Michael (Rodd) will ride him quiet, and let’s hope he can finish it off.”
Vlad Duric has struck the most prolific association with Julius Caesar with three wins, but Peters is sticking solid with his last-start winning partner.
