Trainer John Sadler is in for his busiest meeting in months when he heads to Flemington.
John Sadler
Sadler said his team was ready to step out after taking advantage of the course proper at Caulfield on Tuesday morning, giving five of his six runners an 800m jump-out.
“We wouldn’t usually give them a jump-out on the Tuesday before they race on a Saturday, but to get the course proper was great,” Sadler said.
“We got a little bit of rain and the little give was really good for them.”
Charmed Harmony strung together four wins on end during winter before graduating to a black-type success at Sandown at the end of the spring.
He resumes in the Ascot Racecourse Trophy in which he will be joined by Digitalism.
Even though he would have preferred a slightly shorter race to kick off in, Sadler said Charmed Harmony had been ready for a return for a few weeks.
Sadler’s son Tom rides Charmed Harmony with his 2kg claim reducing the galloper’s weight to 59.5kg.
“He’s been a good consistent horse and even though the handicapper has probably got his measure now, he’s going to be a chance,” Sadler said.
Charmed Harmony has been nominated for next month’s Newmarket Handicap and The Doncaster in Sydney but Sadler said he’s looking more towards a lesser black-type 1400m race at Caulfield at Easter.
Sadler is hopeful of Lonrockstar can be a lightweight Newmarket contender, who lines up with stablemate Henwood in the Hong Kong Jockey Club Trophy.
“He really likes the straight six and he’ll enjoy good pace on,” Sadler said of Lonrockstar.
“The bigger field on Saturday should see that.”
Japhils makes her return in the Auckland Racing Club Trophy with consistent mare Marli Magic tackling The Curragh Trophy.
