The lessons learned over the past 12 months have trainer Pat Webster upbeat about Thankgodyou’rehere’s chances of going one better in this year’s Group One Galaxy at Randwick.
Runner-up to Atomic Force in the Randwick sprint in 2011, the lightly-raced Thankgodyou’rehere is a more seasoned horse with a trip to Brisbane in the winter and a spring campaign in Sydney and Melbourne under his belt.
He was one of 24 entries for Saturday’s Galaxy (1100m) which has a field limit of 14.
“I’m very happy with him and looking forward to the race,” Webster said.
“He worked between races at Randwick last Monday and did what I wanted.
“We have learned a lot about him over the past year and we are looking to take him to Queensland again.”
Bolstering Webster’s confidence is the gelding’s last start second to Woorim in a Group Three 1400m race at Flemington in October and his exceptional first-up form of two wins and two seconds from five attempts.
Woorim has since entered the Group One winners’ list with victory in the Oakleigh Plate and Webster is hoping it’s the turn of Thankgodyou’rehere.
“I was pretty happy when he ran second to Woorim who I’ve always thought was a good horse and looks an even better horse now,” he said.
Rain is predicted in Sydney this week and although Webster would prefer a dry track, he is not fazed and is also unconcerned by what the barrier draw might bring.
“He ran second on a heavy 10 last year and I didn’t think he would handle it,” Webster said.
“He gets back and finishes off out wide so it doesn’t really matter where he draws.
“We’ll take it as it comes.”
Coolmore Classic winner Ofcourseican was among the Galaxy entries on Monday along with last year’s Goodwood winner Lone Rock and Group One placegetter Satin Shoes.
