Jacquinot Bay will given the chance to redeem himself for his last-start failure when he steps up in distance on his home track at Warwick Farm.
The gelding was the subject of stewards’ scrutiny when he finished seven lengths ninth over 1400m at Rosehill on Saturday.
Trainer Guy Walter said it was hard for back-markers to make ground on the day but he was still disappointed with Jacquinot Bay.
He’ll back him up at Warwick Farm on Saturday hoping for the best.
“There is nothing wrong with him. He’s physically fine. I’m hoping that over 1600 metres he might be able to do more,” Walter said.
“I wondered if we had aimed too high last preparation but he hasn’t done as well as I’d hoped this time around.”
The six-year-old did not begin racing until late in his four-year-old season and strung together six wins from his first seven starts, prompting thoughts of a Doncaster campaign last year.
He was turned out after he struggled in the Group Three Doncaster Prelude won by his now-retired stablemate Skyerush.
Among Walter’s other Warwick Farm runners is unbeaten three-year-old Loceano, who comes to town off three wins at Canberra.
“It’s a big step up for him from country racing but he has shown good fighting qualities in his wins,” Walter said.
“I’ve been impressed with him but it’s hard to find a no-metro win race so he goes up against some experienced horses.
“But it’s also been a good effort for him in Canberra as a three-year-old giving older horses weight.”
Loceano’s most recent win was over 1200m on December 27 when he carried 59kg to beat Lemon Sweet by a short-head, giving the runner-up five kilograms.
A welcome addition to the Walter team on Saturday is Hood, returning from injury to run over 1000 metres.
A half-brother to the stable’s former champion Tie The Knot, Hood has shown none of the family’s staying ability.
“I’m a little concerned about him on firm ground but he has been working well at the Goulburn stable,” Walter said.
“It’s good to see him making a comeback.”
