Ron Quinton has put Let’s Make It Rain through his own version of boot camp after the two-year-old ran out of puff at his first-up appearance.
The juvenile finished among the tailenders after making the running in a 1200m race at Rosehill earlier this month, his first start since a promising summer campaign which netted placings behind smart youngsters Sampeah and Odyssey Moon.
Quinton has since concentrated on getting the horse’s fitness up to scratch and says Let’s Make It Rain won’t be found wanting on that score in Saturday’s McGrath Estate Agents Handicap at Canterbury.
“He probably just wasn’t fit enough first time out, which surprised me a little bit,” Quinton said.
“He’s had three weeks between his first run and this run which I think is a bonus for him.
“He’s done nice work since and the fitness won’t be an excuse.”
The race has attracted a handy field headed by promising Godolphin colt Inner Circle who was scratched from Rosehill last Saturday due to the heavy track.
Also there is the Chris Waller-trained Vanbrugh who beat home Let’s Make It Rain first-up in finishing second to the in-form Surfin’ Safari.
If Let’s Make It Rain can measure up against his Canterbury opposition, Quinton might look to raise the bar in the early part of the spring.
“That will depend on Saturday. The horse is still a maiden and this is his last crack at winning a two-year-old race so we’ll give it our best shot,” Quinton said.
“He’s got a bit of opposition there naturally, but I’m sure he will run very creditably.”
Let’s Make It Rain will be one of three Canterbury runners for Quinton along with the resuming Boss Lane in the TAB Rewards Handicap and I Am Impressed in the Bledisloe Cup Festival Handicap.
All three will be ridden by Sam Clipperton.
The July Sprint has attracted a final field of seven including the Bjorn Baker-trained duo of speedster Zaratone and winner of the Group Two Ajax Stakes Burbero.
