Regardless of how far the imported Police Gazette goes this preparation, jockey Brad Rawiller believes his second Australian campaign will be even better.
Rawiller has partnered the Darren Weir-trained former French horse in his three Australian starts and will be aboard again when the four-year-old shoots for his first city win in Wednesday’s TMB Printing Handicap (2400m) at Sandown.
Police Gazette, who races in the colours of OTI Racing, broke through at his third Australian appearance with a narrow win at Bendigo over 2400m on May 29 after seconds at his previous two starts.
“He’s a lovely horse and I’m really looking forward to riding him next preparation,” Rawiller said.
“Anything he’s doing now is a bonus. It’s all still a learning curve for him and it will season him and be the making of him for next preparation.”
Police Gazette’s two seconds came at Warrnambool and Sandown before his Bendigo breakthrough.
Even though the margin was only a neck at Bendigo, Rawiller is convinced there is more to come.
“Through the run he gives you a really strong feel. He’s got class about him,” the Caulfield Cup-winning jockey said.
“He still hasn’t really put them away yet but I think that will come later on.
“He’s just a nice horse going through his grades and is getting better with every run. Hopefully he’s better again on Wednesday.”
Police Gazette faces a maximum field of 11 in the midweek event.
Weir is no stranger to preparing a French import. He is the trainer of the reigning Melbourne Cup favourite Puissance De Lune who has won the Bendigo Cup, Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Blamey Stakes this season.
