The Conspirator is up in grade and distance in the Gold Edition Plate but jockey Paul Hammersley believes it won’t be a problem.
Hammersley has dismissed any suggestions The Conspirator won’t cope with his first attempt at 1200m against the likes of Group One winner Sizzling in the Gold Edition.
“When I won on him last start he hit the line pretty strongly at the end of the 1000 metres and his trainer Tony Sears is adamant the 1200 metres is what he’s looking for,” he said.
“From where he’s drawn he should lob into a good spot and it wouldn’t surprise me if the race pans out the same way it did last time when a split came at the top of the straight and he attacked the line like a good horse.”
Hammersley selected The Conspirator as his ride in the Gold Edition but maintains a healthy respect for rival runner Lucky Hussler after riding the colt to an impressive last-start win on November 17.
“It was a hard choice to make because they’re both good horses but I elected to stay loyal to The Conspirator because I’ve ridden him all the way through this preparation,” he said.
Kent Fleming has booked Matthew Palmer to ride Lucky Hussler who has been freshened up since winning on a slow track when he defeated Sookie who subsequently ran second to Caliente in the Mode Plate last Saturday.
The Conspirator is competing in black-type company for the first time but Hammersley believes he can handle the class rise.
“He’s on the way up and although this is his acid test I think he’s capable of taking that next step,” he said.
“Everything that’s been put in front of him he’s handled and Tony says he’s continued to improve since his last run which is good to hear.”
Hammersley also will ride Jester’s Girl for Gerald Ryan in the Just Now Quality (1300m).
Jester’s Girl is in foal to Magic Albert and will be retired after Saturday’s race.
