Trainer Wendy Kelly is hoping four-year-old gelding Fast Cash can translate the confidence he exudes at home into winning performances on the racetrack this campaign.
The Cranbourne trainer said Fast Cash was a horse with plenty of character and attitude and Kelly has been happy with the galloper’s build-up to his return in the Listed Carlyon Stakes (1000m) on Saturday.
Fast Cash has convincingly won a Swan Hill maiden on debut and the Vobis Gold Carat at Moonee Valley in his only first-up appearances but Kelly admits Saturday’s race is a tougher first-up assignment.
His opposition includes classy mare Gregers and Adelaide sprinter Eclair Choice who occupy the top two lines of betting while Fast Cash is on the third line at $6.50.
Fast Cash was entered for a race at Seymour on Wednesday but drew wide and was scratched and saved for the Carlyon Stakes, a race Kelly says will give her a good guide on what level sprint races to look at with the gelding this campaign.
“I’m really happy with him,” Kelly said.
“He has had a really good preparation where nothing has gone wrong, which is always a bonus.
“He thinks he’s ten foot tall and bulletproof.
“He’s done plenty of work going into Saturday and he’s drawn really well in barrier six.
“I had him in yesterday but he drew barrier 12 of 13 so it was going to be a waste of time.
“He’s a horse I would like to have forward but with cover.”
Fast Cash will be ridden by Craig Newitt who has partnered the gelding in an unofficial trial at Cranbourne leading into his return.
A winner of two of his nine starts Fast Cash has been tried over 1400m a few times but Kelly said they decided after last preparation that Fast Cash was best kept as a sprinter.
The horse has flashed home after giving away big starts in some of his races but Kelly is hoping he has learned to settle midfield or a little closer and travel, believing that’s where he can be effective.
Fast Cash’s only two starts at Moonee Valley have been a second to Rich Enuff in the McKenzie Stakes last year and his win in the Vobis Gold Carat (1200m).
