Bel Esprit gelding Spirited Addition will try to atone for a luckless debut and prove he is up to better-class races when he steps out at Sandown’s transferred meeting at Mornington.
Trainer David Hayes, who also has She’s Cherryrype in Wednesday’s Total Animal Supplies Handicap (1016m), expects a competitive race especially with topweight and Blue Diamond Prelude placegetter Huegill resuming for Peter Moody.
“It is certainly not going to be a cakewalk,” Hayes said.
He said Spirited Addition was a promising three-year-old but was unsure how far he would go this spring.
“I think he is city class but not sure he is a total carnival horse,” Hayes said.
“This will tell me a lot more about him.
“If he can win against these sorts of horses he has got to warrant his place in a Listed race.”
Spirited Addition was beaten in a photo-finish at his only start at Morphettville on July 2.
James Winks replaces apprentice Nathan Rose who missed the start on the gelding in Adelaide and left him vulnerable when he got to the lead just after turning for home.
“He made up a lot of ground the other day,” Hayes said.
“He hit the front 300 metres out and only got beaten a head so it was a very good performance.
“He is fresh again and he should run well.”
While Spirited Addition didn’t go to the sales, She’s Cherryrype was a $360,000 More Than Ready yearling from stakeswinning Danehill mare Shovoff.
The filly was fourth on debut at Mornington then last start broke her maiden over 1100m at Tatura on July 5.
Apprentice Jordan Mallyon claims two kilos on She’s Cherryrype.
Meanwhile, Winks will also ride the Peter Snowden-trained Secession who has been freshened for the Bombora Downs Thoroughbred Services Hcp (1220m) after an encouraging third to Liveandletdie in the Listed Creswick Stakes (1200m) at Flemington two months ago.
The Creswick was the four-year-old’s first start since being gelded at the end of his last campaign.
“He has freshened up nicely,” assistant trainer Paul Snowden said.
“He was a little bit soft last start at Flemington but he ran well and looks fantastic now.
“It’s the best he’s ever been and whatever he does tomorrow will decide where he goes from here.”
AAP TURF
