The Chris Waller-Jim Cassidy combination looks poised to strike again this afternoon when Foxbat contests the Hyland Race Colours one-metro-win handicap (1250m) at Canterbury.
And while Foxbat certainly isn’t in the same class as Zoustar, who Cassidy rode 11 days back to Golden Rose success for Waller, the result will likely be a similar one today.
The four-year-old son of Jet Spur has progressed nicely this campaign and comes into this off a two-length third behind the talented Murder Of Crows two weeks back.
He was ridden a little more forward on that occasion, settling midfield and chasing steadily in the straight.
The run netted a weight-adjusted Timeform figure of 87, an improvement of six pounds on his first-up fourth behind Green Beret.
Now he’s third-up which is when he broke through for a maiden win last campaign, which happened to be at Canterbury over 1250m.
He’s one of the more lightly raced gallopers in this field, and looks set for bigger and better targets later this preparation.
Expect Cassidy to try and slot in midfield again today. He’ll need some luck from the wide gate, but with Cassidy aboard that isn’t too much of a concern.
His biggest danger looks to be Clarry Conners four-year-old Turnley, who drops back from Saturday company into an easier looking race here.
He was only 1.4L behind Hosting at Rosehill 11 days ago, where he earned himself a weight-adjusted Timeform figure of 93.
That reads a little better than Foxbat’s two runs this campaign, but bear in mind the two clashed at Warwick Farm late last month and Foxbat had his measure.
Still, Conners looks to have improved the gelding since then and with Nash Rawiller riding, he certainly must be included.
New Zealander Good Job Bro has been scratched from this race in favour of the second on the card, so look to Fastnet Rock mare Chatham House as the third pick in this one.
The Hawkes-trained four-year-old resumed three weeks back for just her third career start, running a half-length second at this track.
She looks one with upside and with the winkers on first time is open to handy improvement today.
James McDonald is in the saddle and he’s absolutely flying at the moment. Don’t be surprised to see this mare run a cheeky race.
