Having secured his connections $300,000 when 3rd in the $3m Big Dance last start, Super Helpful, enters Saturday’s first running of the Canberra Community Chest (1400m) as one of the key chances.
Trained locally by Barbara Joseph, Paul & Matt Jones, the son of Super One has gone to a new level this preparation and Co-Trainer Paul Jones thinks there's still improvement to come.
"At the start of this preparation, a few of his gallops had us of the opinion that he was a Group hose." Jones said.
"He's just keeps getting better and better as he's got fitter and his gallop earlier this week was very impressive, so I think he's still got a new level to go to."
Super Helpful, the winner of nine of 29 starts, has drawn perfectly in barrier four and will look to capitalise and settle in the first two pairs.
"We'll in first four in running." Jones said. "We'll be happy to take up the running if they let us but if something goes too fast, we'll happy sit in behind them."
The Canberra Community Chest will see the 12 runners in the race partnered with a Canberra charity or community group, who will share in a $50,000 community chest. With the organization that is paired with the eventual winner to receive $25,000.
Trainer Paul Jones is hopeful that Super Helpful is paired with one charity in particular.
"It's a great concept." Jones said of the Canberra Community Chest. "I think it's wonderful when the racing industry assists charities and fosters a greater relationship with the wider community."
"We have our race day every year and have a different charity benefactor each year, and this year's was Win The Day, who we were really happy to see selected as one of the Chest's partners."
"It was be wonderful to partner with them again ion Saturday but we'll be happy to help any of the 12 great causes."
Super Helpful is one of a number of key local chances with Matthew Kelley's I'Ve Bean Tryin' installed as an early favourite with TAB ($4.80).
The consistent galloper was brilliant late when winning the $250,000 Barn Dance at Royal Randwick. He will have to do it hard way here again having drawn barrier ten.
Similarly, Handle The Truth who will step out for the final time for Keith Dryden, had no luck of the draw having been designated barrier 14.
He holds the track record for the distance of the Canberra Community Chest and will need to be somewhere near his best to provide his big ownership group with the fairytale finish they desire.
The locals certainly won't have it all their own way with quality gallopers from a number of Sydney stables engaged.
Richard & Will Freedman, Richard Litt, John O'Shea and Clarry Connors are all represented in the $200,000 Canberra Community Chest to be run on Saturday, 25 November at 6:37pm.
