Canberra-trained Head Over begins a campaign at Wagga on Saturday which Mark Schmetzer hopes will eventually lead to Sydney.
The four-year-old daughter of Over tackles the Noel Comerfords Auto Class 2 Hcp (1000m).
“Head Over always showed ability right from day one. It just took a while for the penny to drop,” former jockey turned trainer Schmetzer said.
“I’ve said to Rob (owner Rob Walsh) she’s up to city class, at least midweek.
“There’s plenty of upside to her.”
Head Over has proven most consistent with two wins and three placings from eight starts.
Schmetzer has had the mare in work for 10 weeks in readiness for her return to racing.
“I haven’t given her a trial or jump out, she likes to race a bit on the fresh side,” Schmetzer said.
“My main concern tomorrow is the state of the track.
“She handles slow but I don’t want to give her a gut buster first up on a very heavy track.
“It looks like fining up and hopefully the track dries out to slow.
“I’ve nominated her at Warwick Farm Wednesday as a precaution. Ideally I’d prefer to start at Wagga then head to Sydney second up.”
Schmetzer has been delighted with Head Overs preparation.
“She’s come back in good order,” he said.
“I couldn’t be happier with her.
“She’s not a big mare but has got a good conformation.
“She’s easy to do anything with, just a nice mare to have in the stable.”
Willie Pearson has the mount.
“All the boxes are pretty much ticked, Schmetzer said.
“Saturday looks a lovely race for her, the right trip (1000m) and class, a wet track, decent weight (57kg), barrier (nine) and Willie.
“And her work’s been good. I’d be disappointed if she didn’t run very well.”
AAP TURF
