Kris Lees has delved into his bag of tricks in an attempt to help French import Slow Pace deliver on his early promise.
The seven-year-old returns to the scene of what was arguably his best Australian run when he lines up in the JRA Plate (2000m) at Randwick on Saturday.
In the corresponding race last year, Slow Pace stormed home from last to finish third to subsequent Australian Cup winner Spillway.
His form since then has been plain and Lees is hoping the addition of blinkers, along with a wet track, can spark a revival.
“He’s been a bit disappointing in his runs this preparation,” Lees said.
“But he is looking for a slow track, the blinkers go on and he drops in grade so he’s some sort of a chance.”
Peter Moody has also opted for a gear change with his up-and-coming three-year-old Hi World.
The colt will be without blinkers when he steps up to 2000m for the first time in the Frank Packer Plate, a move designed to help him settle after he led throughout to win the Carbine Club Stakes over a mile last start.
“He is bred to get the trip but it is a test for him,” Moody’s Sydney foreperson Claire Cunningham said.
“The blinkers come off and he will have a shadow roll on.
“He is still learning his trade but I believe he has taken steps learning how to settle in between races.”
Hi World assumed $3.10 favouritism with the TAB on Friday, displacing Merion who eased to $3.50.
