The gamble to back-up Court Connection from his third a week ago paid dividends at Warwick Farm where the gelding passed a distance test under strong riding from Hugh Bowman.
Trainer Danny Williams prepares Court Connection for long-time client Alan Cardy and says he is now confident he can step up to 2400 metres after winning the Sharp Handicap (2200m).
Court Connection winning the Sharp Handicap - Photo by Steve Hart
Williams described Court Connection as “a bit frail” but said his third at Rosehill on a heavy track had not taken too much out of him.
“Running on the heavy track probably helped him because he didn’t jar up,” Williams said.
“He’s not a horse I would normally back up because he’s a a bit frail but he did very well after Rosehill.
“He has been sparingly raced but I think he can get up to 2400 metres.”
Court Connection ($6.50) beat Planetarium ($7.50) by a half length with Marden ($4.80 fav) 1-1/2 lengths further away with all three coming from back in the field.