Barriers aside, three-year-old Eleecopter is set to make a flying return at Goulburn on Wednesday.
The Kerry Parker-trained daughter of Spinning World, off the scene for 17 weeks, resumes in the Multiquip Class 1 Hcp (1000m) with Jeff Penza in the saddle.
“Obviously she’s going to need some luck from the wide barrier (14), but that aside, I’m very happy with her,” the Kembla Grange-based trainer said.
“She’s done enough to race very well.”
Eleecopter is raced by the same syndicate of Sydney bankers headed by Anthony Surace which owns seven-time winner and last year’s Doncaster third placegetter Brilliant Light who is set to continue his build-up to this year’s $2 million mile in the $125,000 Doncaster Prelude (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Eleecopter was a $14,000 Classic yearling purchase.
The filly showed ability in her first campaign, winning first-up over 1200m at Queanbeyan on November 8 then running 1-1/4-length fifth to Midnight Hustler over 1300m at Goulburn on November 21 before her 1-1/2-length second to Acouplamas over 1400m at Kembla on December 4.
“She did a terrific job first preparation,” Parker said.
“Since coming back into work she’s stronger and more so a bit wiser.
“She was a bit erratic last time. In the body and brain she’s matured.
“There is a notable difference in everything she’s doing.”
Eleecopter has pleased Parker leading into Wednesday’s race.
“I suppose it’s not the ideal race for her but it’s hard to place three-year-old fillies at this time of year,” he said.
“I gave her a jumpout a couple of weeks back, she did well behind Mick Tubman’s filly (since retired) Chance Bye at home (Kembla).
“Her work since has been good.
“She’s pleased me.
“The plan is to work through the grades, let her tell us where we’re going to end up.
“We’re all hoping she can take the right steps forward.”
AAP TURF
