Port Macquarie trainer Jenny Graham is confident lightly raced Double Power has improved ahead of his second up assignment at Coffs Harbour on Friday.
“Condition wise he’s definitely improved. He’s done real well. I expect him to be competitive,” Graham said.
Double Power tackles the Ooh Media Benchmark 65 (1300m) with 2kg claimer Kassie Furness aboard.
The son of Dubleo returned from a 153-day spell with a length second to Not Doubtful in a 1200m BM60 on his home track on April 26 after leading until the final stages.
“I was really happy with the run,” Graham said. “He went forward from barrier eight and travelled a bit harder in the run than we would have liked.
“He was probably a touch underdone and needed that run. With that run under his belt, he’s improved.”
Got as a yearling for $13,000, Double Power is raced by a syndicate headed by Graham’s partner Shane Conroy.
The three-year-old gelding with two wins and seven placings from 11 starts has already earned $48,250.
Last campaign Double Power showed his ability finishing third to Harada Bay over 1400m at Warwick Farm on November 10.
“As a young horse he was a bit hot. He was running on adrenalin,” Graham revealed. “He was nervous in the barriers but has overcome all that as he got older.
“The couple of runs in Sydney have helped him, helped his mannerisms. Even in his work he’s more settled.”
Graham believes Double Power will be suited when he gets over more ground this preparation.
“At 1500 metres and onwards I think he’s going to be a really nice horse,” Graham said.
“He was even showing that at the end of his last preparation."