Condo’s Express is set to head back to the scene of his last-start victory to chase a stakes win in the Listed McKenzie Stakes at The Valley.
And trainer Richard Laming believes the colt’s solo gallop at the track earlier this week indicates he has taken the right steps since his win on August 3 to be a force in Saturday’s 1200m-race for three-year-old colts and geldings.
“His work on Tuesday morning suggests he has improved again,” Laming said.
“I couldn’t have been more pleased with how he worked on Tuesday and coming out of a good draw there tomorrow with nice speed, it’s going to be a similarly run race to last time so I expect him to run well again.
“Looking at the form it’s not an overly strong race for that type of race. In the past it’s been a lot stronger.
“A lot of these three-year-olds take natural improvement which a couple of those there tomorrow will do, but we’re really happy with him.”
Condo’s Express cost $3000 at the Scone Yearling Sale last year and after finishing second in his first three starts in country and provincial races in Victoria this winter he landed a city win at The Valley over 1000m on August 3.
That took his prize money past $90,000 and Laming believes the three-year-old has more in store.
“He was a cheapie at Scone and he’s been a good little money spinner already for them,” Laming said.
“And I don’t think it’s going to stop there.”
Condo’s Express has firmed in early betting from $7 to $4 with TAB Fixed Odds for the McKenzie and is on the second line behind Magic Millions Classic placegetter Hightail ($3.40).
Last year’s McKenzie Stakes was won by subsequent Doncaster Mile winner Brutal at what was his second start.
