A $1 million opportunity interrupted Willaidow’s momentum last campaign, but with no such distractions this time around, trainer Marc Conners is hoping the gelding can continue to pick up some Sydney Saturday prizemoney.
The lightly exposed six-year-old will line up for just his 14th start in the Mounties Group Handicap (1200m) at Rosehill, looking to back up two strong return runs, including a last-start win at Randwick.
It follows his most recent preparation when he was aimed at the Provincial-Midway Championships after successive victories during the summer, qualifying for the feature before his form tapered off.
“Last preparation he won those couple of races then we half-decided we’d have a crack at the Midway Championships,” Conners said.
“We had to stop and start his preparation a bit and his runs were fairly spaced, which probably didn’t suit him. His last two runs he was just over the top.
“But he had a nice break, came back and now he’s racing in a nice sequence and he seems to be appreciating it.”
In a vote of confidence, James Mcdonald has ridden Willaidow at his past two starts and sticks with him on Saturday where he has drawn barrier two in the bumper field of 18 plus two reserves.
Conners has been pleased with his gelding’s progression and having bought him as an unraced three-year-old at an online dispersal sale, he believes the horse is still on an upward spiral.
“He had a bit of a late start, but in hindsight, it has probably been a good thing for him because he had plenty of time to develop,” Conners said.
“He is a lovely horse.
“Even though he is six, he’s like a three-year-old. He still doesn’t know what it’s all about yet.”
In that vein, Conners won’t be tempted to raise the bar beyond Saturday metropolitan company for Willaidow this campaign.
The goal is to continue to take the sprinter through his grades in the hope of seasoning him to step up to black-type level down the track.
“We might look at something next preparation. We’re just trying to develop the horse,” Conners said.
“I know he’s six, but I’m hoping the best is yet to come in the next couple of years.”
