Trainer Mitchell Pateman says punters should be prepared to forgive Mojo Rhythm’s last-start failure, maintaining the four-year-old had excuses when unplaced two weeks ago.
The son of Playing God, a recent acquisition to Mitchell Pateman’s stable, started a $3 betr favourite with Tabtouch after powerful winning runs at his previous two starts at Ascot and Pinjarra.
Mojo Rhythm ran well below his best, but despite a difficult run he was well beaten by Vast Art, finishing seventh to Darren Mcauliffe’s talented three-year-old.
The pair renew hostilities in the Ascend Trophies Handicap (1600m) at Belmont on Saturday, with Vast Art the $3 favourite, tightening from $3.40.
After he opened at $5, Mojo Rhythm has eased to $6.50.
Despite the betting drift Pateman is confident Mojo Rhythm can bounce back well and return the winner’s list.
“He probably didn’t handle the back up and probably didn’t have the greatest run of all time either,” Pateman said on Tabradio.
“Back off two weeks I expect him to bounce back against a similar field to last start.
“I think I may have erred going the 1400m after a week back up.
“He was probably looking for the mile, let alone the back up.
“He had obvious excuses, but I think he’s a pretty smart horse.
“He works exceptionally well and generally when they work like they do and race well it’s a good indication that they are not a bad horse.
“I would be pretty disappointed if he doesn’t bounce back.”
Mojo Rhythm has drawn barrier five and will be ridden by Jarrad Noske.
Pateman also expects speedy mare My Baby Blue Jean to give the Peninsula Dining Room Handicap (1000m) a big shake.
My Baby Blue Jean, previously with Adam Durrant, made the perfect start for Pateman when winning at Pinjarra over 1000m.
Three days later at Ascot she was in front with 50m remaining before fading late and finishing third to Valency and Leica Jaguar.
From barrier six and with Holly Watson aboard, Pateman says My Baby Blue Jean will be in front for a long way on Saturday.
“She’s going exceptionally well and I’m really, really happy with her,” Pateman said.
“She handled the back-up really well and I thought she performed super.
“She went pretty quick and overaced a little bit, but was still there at the finish.
“She only got beat half a length by Valency who has come out again and won since.
“She’s in really good order and will jump and run.
“I expect her to be pretty hard to catch.”
My Baby Blue Jean is currently quoted a $9.50 chance.
Devine Belief holds $2.70 favouritism.
