Trainer Gary Moore has worked hard to ensure Classic Uniform jumps cleanly from the barriers, and now the gelding also has the draw to suit for a genuine crack at the Listed Winter Challenge.
Fractious by nature for much of his 30-start career, the four-year-old is blindfolded entering the stalls while his jockey is warned not to move too much before the jump.
While that procedure has been effective, the Rosehill trainer had no influence on where Classic Uniform was loaded, and his past two runs have been undermined by wide gates.
His luck has changed and on Saturday at Rosehill he has barrier one for the final stakes race of the Sydney season.
“If you look at his record, he never draws a good gate,” Moore said.
“It’s (one) a blessing. Last time he drew wide, had no cover and battled and was only beaten by two lengths (in the Winter Stakes).”
While frustrated at Classic Uniform being caught wide at Rosehill a fortnight ago, Moore was rapt with his finishing burst.
“He’s very fit. His last run was just perfect for this race, especially as we’ve drawn one.” he said.
Moore said Classic Uniform, the $7.50 second elect with the TAB on Friday, was ready to step up to 1500m and would go even further down the track with the Listed Premier’s Cup (1900m) at Rosehill on August 26 a goal.
“I do feel now he’s turning five that he’ll get further and 2000 (metres) will not be a problem for him this time around.”
Classic Uniform will be ridden by regular jockey Tim Clark who is well aware of his pre-race jitters.
“I told Tim, ‘When you ride him do not move your body on him. Let him just jump himself’,” Moore said.
Moore starts the day with promising colt Hostwin Meraki who is seeking to extend his perfect start to three wins in the 2YO Handicap (1500m) and comes off a last-start Class One handicap at Hawkesbury.
“His last win was very promising. He came from well back and beat the older horses,” Moore said.
“He’s won two straight, so it’s time to bring him into town.”
