Trainer Lindsey Smith is hoping that his in-form galloper Riding The Wave can round out his summer campaign with a win in the Chester Manifold Stakes.
Smith believes Riding The Wave will be suited by the step up to 1400 metres at Flemington.
The former Kiwi has had four starts for Smith for a debut fourth for him at Bendigo which was followed by a victory at Ballarat.
Riding The Wave has then had two starts at Flemington over 1200 metres for a second and then a narrow win at Flemington last start in a Benchmark 78 over 1200 metres.
In winning on New Year’s Day, Riding The Wave recorded a time of 1.09.01 min for 1200 metres which was faster than the Standish Handicap which was won by Sirius Suspect in 1.09.27 min.
Riding The Wave will return to Flemington on Saturday and will be ridden by Ethan Brown. He carried 58.5 kg at his last start win and will carry 54 kg on Saturday.
“I think he’s ready for 1400 metres now. Hopefully that race last Friday has taken the edge off him and he’ll relax a little bit better to get the trip,” Smith said.
Smith pointed out that Riding The Wave had won over 1400 metres in New Zealand but in weaker grade.
“He pulled up in good shape and he’ll take his place. I think he’s an open class horse so we’ll find out more,” he said.
Smith will give Riding The Wave a break and then bring him back for the Winter Championship series.