Comeback jockey Chris Symons is lookng forward to renewing his association with three-year-old Hosting at Flemington on Saturday.
Symons rode the Greg Eurell-trained three-year-old to an impressive debut win last August before both he and the horse spent the spring sidelined through injury.
Craig Williams partnered Hosting first-up in the Manfred Stakes (1200m) when he finished third to Royal Haunt and Force Command but will switch to a Lloyd Williams horse in the race.
Symons believes the colt can bounce right back at Flemington in the CS Hayes Stakes (1400m) and put himself in the frame for the Australian Guineas.
“I think he’s a Group horse. Whether he’s a Group One horse, time will tell,” Symons said.
“If he shows us in a race what he has in his trackwork and trials and in his first start, he’s going to be a main contender in the carnivals.”
Symons broke his foot in September and only returned to race riding last Saturday week in Adelaide, the same day Hosting resumed at Caulfield.
At the time he lamented not being able to maintain the ride on Hosting because of his injury.
“The owners asked me when I was ready to ride because they had a plan for the horse, and I didn’t know if I would be back in time,” Symons said.
“So Craig Williams came out and trialled the horse and was booked to ride him first-up.
“My foot improved dramatically and I probably would have been ready but I didn’t want to muck them around.
“I’m just happy to be back riding him now.”
Both Symons and Eurell believe Hosting will be much better suited up to 1400m on Saturday.
“Nothing against anyone last start, but he was ridden on pace and I think he’s better as a swooper,” Symons said.
“We’ve always had the opinion he’ll be a better horse over more ground.”
Eurell said Hosting was “a bit fresh” first-up and hopes he’ll be better for having that day under his belt.
“I think over 1400 metres we’ll probably ride him a bit more conservatively,” Eurell said.
