Golden Slipper winner Capitalist will be Big Money’s major obstacle in his attempt to win another rich prize.
The two are among seven early nominations for the Group Two Missile Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Big Money was denied a second Ramornie Handicap at his last start by former Hong Kong horse Smart Volatility who won the Listed race at Grafton by a nose on July 13.
Northam said he could not have asked much more from Big Money.
“He’s come through the race really well,” Northam said.
“He went to the paddock straight after it for three or four days and then the rain came so I brought him in.”
Standing in Big Money’s way will be Capitalist, the $1.40 favourite in early markets.
Under the weight-for-age scale newly turned three-year-old Capitalist will carry 51.5kg.
Northam admitted the Peter and Paul Snowden-trained colt would be hard to beat.
“He looked super race-fit in both trials but the 1200 metres first-up could make him a little bit vulnerable – and that’s all I can find to make him look vulnerable,” Northam said.
Kerrin McEvoy will ride Capitalist, with regular jockey Blake Shinn unable to make the weight.
Shinn is booked to ride stablemate Tycoon Tara.
Group One winning sprinter Rebel Dane is $5 to win the Missile, while Big Money is on the third line of betting at $8.
Godolphin gelding Generalife is next pick at $11 and comes into the race first-up after two quiet trials.
Smart Volatility was nominated for the Missile but will run in the Group Three Aurie’s Star Handicap at Flemington.
Wouldnt It Be Nice rounds out the early nominations and is the rank outsider at $51.
Northam has the Group Three Show County Quality at Randwick on August 20 in mind for Big Money’s next run.
“We’ll give him this run and see how he pulls up,” Northam said.
“He’ll have a couple of runs, then we’ll give him a break and bring him back before for the end of spring or summer in Melbourne.”
The seven-year-old has collected almost $750,000 prize money, winning 10 races from 26 starts.
