Trainer Norm Hilton has the Brisbane summer series in mind for talented gelding Carry Me Bluey, who he believes is poised for his best campaign yet.
The five-year-old will resume in Saturday’s Listed Keith Noud Handicap (1200m) at Eagle Farm, the feature event on the eight-event program.
Carry Me Bluey, a multiple stakes placegetter, has not raced since he finished third in the Listed Tattersall’s Mile in June.
He traditionally performs well first-up and Hilton says he is fit enough to pose a threat on Saturday.
“I think he’s forward enough to be a good chance,” Hilton said.
“He trialled well last week so he’s on target.”
Carry Me Bluey has drawn gate 10 but given his racing pattern is to get back, Hilton doesn’t believe the barrier is a major negative.
“It won’t be a big deal. He drops back a bit and it’s probably better than drawing one or two,” he said.
Carry Me Bluey raced with distinction in Brisbane last summer finishing runner-up in the Recognition Stakes and fourth in the Bernborough Handicap.
Hilton is looking at a similar program this time around with the Group Three George Moore Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm two weeks from Saturday also on the agenda.
Carry Me Bluey is yet to win at stakes level but Hilton believes this preparation might be his time.
“He’s really developed and filled out,” Hilton said.
“He’s a lot stronger this time in than in the past.”
A field of 11 will contest the Keith Noud headed by 2009 Golden Slipper winner Phelan Ready who will be chasing his first victory since he took out the juvenile feature.
Excellantes returns for leading trainer Rob Heathcote following a sound Melbourne campaign which netted a stakes placing at Flemington on Melbourne Cup day.
