Trainer Brendan McCarthy believes Divine Mr Artie is going better than before his last-start win and believes his chances of another victory could hinge on luck in running.
Divine Mr Artie was blocked for a run when unplaced first-up at Caulfield but backed up a week later to win narrowly over 1200m on April 30.
McCarthy said the gelding’s second run in as many weeks did take a bit out of him, but he has been delighted with how he has trained on for Saturday’s Yellowglen Handicap (1200m).
“It’s probably a bit of a step up again but I think he’s going into this run a hell of a lot better than his last run,” McCarthy said.
“So it’s a really good opportunity to see what he can do tomorrow.”
Divine Mr Artie was back in the ruck coming to the turn last start before getting into the clear at the top of the straight.
He is at $7.50 for Saturday with the Robert Smerdon-trained Ability the $3.90 favourite.
“He’s not a big horse so he’s just going to need the right luck in running,” McCarthy said.
Divine Mr Artie is considered McCarthy’s best chance from three runners on Saturday.
First emergency Absolute Treasure has gained a start in the Peter Jackson Handicap (1400m) while two-year-old Intrice’s Reward makes her debut in the Phil Sly Memorial Plate.
