Braces, Greg Hickman’s great chance in Sunday’s $80,000 Stacks Law Firm Taree Cup (2000m), has a character all of his own.

He’s a thoroughbred attention seeker who lets the staff at Hickman’s Warwick Farm stables know when he wants something.

“He bangs on the door to get attention,” Hickman said. “He’s a real attention seeker.

“I had to build him his own special yard to do his own thing in.

“Whenever he wants something he wants it now and lets you know.”

Braces, a “cheap buy at the Classic Sale in Sydney” according to Hickman, was named after a stable incident.

“He broke his jaw as a young horse and had to have it wired up,” Hickman recalled. “He looked like he had braces so the name stuck. He’s a real character at home. There’s not another one like him.”

Braces has endeared himself to Hickman and his syndicate of owners in more ways than one. He has won over $184,000 but more importantly gives his all most times he goes around.

And what a consistent patch of form the five-year-old gelding has struck in recent times.

Braces has recorded four second’s and a win from his past five starts in Sydney.

“He’s going great, racing very consistently,” Hickman added. “Things like that happen with horses. There’s no special reason just putting them in the right races at the right time. He’s a good wet tracker, everyone knows that, but all the so called experts said he couldn’t stay but he can.

“Coming back to 2000 metres on Sunday won’t worry him, in fact it’s good.

“He’s got into the cup with just 56 kilos. I think it was better going to Taree instead of staying in town (Sydney).

“I think the race will be run to suit him. There are other chances, certainly, like the top weight (Slow Pace) and Private Ben but I’m more than happy with my horse.

“The jockey (Winona Costin) rides him well. They get on good together.

“Everything is in order.”