Canberra premiership-winning rider Brendan Ward is more than happy to partner Fullerton in the Hair Of The Dog Cup at Gundagai on Saturday.
The 1800m $12,000 Cup rounds out the two-day Snake Gully Cup carnival.
Ward, 38, has been the four-year-old Fastnet Rock gelding’s regular jockey.
“He’s a lovely horse to ride, does everything right,” Ward said.
“He hasn’t got a lot of dash, a bit of a one-paced animal, but looks well suited by the distance on Saturday.”
Fullerton, trained by Nick Olive, scored over 1600m at Queanbeyan two starts back on October 17 then was beaten 1-1/2 lengths by Lyceum Fair over 2000m at Canberra on November 1.
“It was a good win at Queanbeyan. He had to do a bit of work to get to the front but kicked in the straight and held on,” Ward said.
“Last start they only pegged him back inside the 100 metres.”
Ward is also the gelding’s regular track rider.
“He’s been working well, come on,” he said.
“I’m happy with him going into the race.”
Fullerton has recorded three wins and six placings from 16 starts.
Ward suggested that since being stepped up in distance by Olive, currently holidaying in Canada, Fullerton has found his niche.
“He’s best suited by 1600 to 2000 metres,” Ward said.
“Fortunately he’s got speed from the barriers.
“He’ll be going forward early tomorrow. You need to be up there to win at Gundagai.”
Olive will also saddle up In The Rye, to be ridden by Richard Bensley, in the Cup.
“Fullerton has a bit more scope and depth than the mare,” Ward said.
In The Rye finished four lengths fourth to Lyceum Fair at Canberra but the six-year-old was runner-up twice at Wagga at her previous two starts.
Ward rode 37.5 winners to win his first Canberra premiership last season.
“This season started out a bit slow but everything’s starting to come to hand,” he said.
“Obviously I’d love to win another premiership but my main goals are winning a Canberra Cup and Black Opal.
AAP TURF
