Trainer Chris Anderson has decided to try new tactics and will use an apprentice’s claim on tough three-year-old Mishani Bullitt at Doomben.
Mishani Bullitt beat older horses first-up carrying 59kg in August but has had three runs against his own age group since for two thirds and a fourth.
On each occasion he has had to hump 59kg and was giving the winner up to 5kg.
Mishani Bullitt is a colt and can be difficult to ride, but until now Anderson has stuck with senior rider Brad Stewart.
Anderson has booked 3kg claiming apprentice Stephanie Lacy for Mishani Bullitt in Saturday’s Cleanstate Commercial Cleaning Handicap (1600m).
“The three-year-olds in Brisbane have been the most competitive races at most meetings and Saturday is no different. It is probably the most interesting race on the program,” Anderson said.
“After his last-start third at Caloundra I did some homework and it is plain that these three-year-olds are so strong the top weights really struggle.”
Anderson said Saturday’s race was likely to be Mishani Bullitt’s last run this campaign.
“He was dominant first-up but the weight has got him since,” Anderson said.
“His rating shot up for his fourth in the Group One JJ Atkins Stakes. It makes it hard for young horses and would be different had he run in the first three. At least he would have black-type.”
Anderson said Mishani Bullitt was no certainty to return for the Magic Millions carnival in January.
“They might be a bit slick for him at 1400 metres in the Millions Guineas,” he said.
“We might look at the longer three-year-old races in the winter.”
Despite his recent placings, Mishani Bullitt is the TAB’s $2.40 favourite ahead of last-start Sunshine Coast winner Zofonic Dancer ($4) and Marseille En Fleur ($5.50).
