The Richard Litt-trained duo of Lancaster Bomber and Catapult are the epitome of consistency and both will be looking for a change of luck at Rosehill on Saturday.
Lancaster Bomber contests the Benchmark 78 Handicap over 1200m and Litt is hoping he can go one better than his runner-up effort behind All Time Legend on Boxing Day.
All Time Legend has since franked that form with another victory at Randwick on January 9.
From the Denman gelding’s last 16 starts, Lancaster Bomber has remarkably finished in the top five on 15 occasions, and has been a fantastic money-spinner for connections with almost $200,000 in career earnings.
“He’s been a very good consistent horse and very good for our stable,” Litt said.
“He was actually a cheap buy for only $30,000 so he’s done very well for his owners.”
Jockey Sam Clipperton stays with the five-year-old after being on board for that last start second and Litt will let the in-form hoop decide how the race plays out.
“It’s tricky (from gate 8) and there’s a little bit of speed,” Litt said.
“Sam’s had the one ride on him now so I’ll leave it up to him.
“It will be interesting to see where he ends up in the run but I couldn’t imagine he’d be too far away.”
Speaking of consistency, you would love to own Litt’s other acceptor Catapult as in 17 starts the Medaglia D’oro gelding has yet to finish out of the top five.
If it wasn’t for bad luck Litt believes that record would be even better.
“He’s an extremely unlucky horse, he should’ve won about three or four more races than he has,” Litt said.
“He got back the other day after stepping slow and he flew home for fourth.”
The five-year-old won’t know himself on Saturday with apprentice Reece Jones claiming 3kg to bring his weight down to 51.5kg.
“He’s got a good young rider on that claims and he’s got a very good turn of foot when he’s ridden cold,” Litt said.
“If he can get the right run in the race and Reece doesn’t get too panicked on him he’ll have a big finish on him that’s for sure.”
