Joe Pride has another rejuvenation project on his hands after taking over the training of Group One winner Court Ruler.
Pride has carved a niche with his ability to revamp the careers of tried horses whose form has tapered off.
His biggest advertisement is Vision And Power who won two Group One races for him in the autumn of 2009.
On Saturday, News Alert kept Pride’s record rolling when he ended a winning drought to claim the Listed Razor Sharp Handicap at Warwick Farm at just his second start for his new trainer.
But Pride’s latest assignment might be one of his toughest.
Not only has former New Zealander Court Ruler not won a race since storming to victory in the 2009 Queensland Derby, he has failed to figure in the placings in 16 subsequent runs.
Previously prepared by John Wheeler, Court Ruler has had his share of problems since claiming the staying feature but Pride is hoping they are now behind him.
“He’s had a lot of different issues,” Pride said.
“It’s been a long time since he’s won but he looks good.”
Court Ruler has had two trials for Pride and is scheduled to make a low-key debut for his new trainer in a 1350m Welter at Wyong on Wednesday with Corey Brown aboard.
Stablemate Rain Affair also stepped out for Pride at last week’s barrier trials, which were postponed from Tuesday to Thursday due to the wet weather.
The two-day delay has forced Pride to revise his plans for Rain Affair who was scheduled to have another trial on Friday before resuming in the Carrington Stakes at Warwick Farm on January 2.
“It’s moved my trials a bit closer together so I probably won’t trial him again now,” Pride said.
“I might give him a couple of dummy runs to the races instead. It will get rid of some of his nervous energy.
“I’ve done it with quite a few horses and it works well.”
Rain Affair was the find of the winter, taking his record to seven wins from eight starts when he stepped up to Group company for the first time to win the Missile Stakes.
Regular rider Corey Brown will be on board when he resumes in the Carrington.
AAP TURF
