Co-trainer Wayne Hawkes is hoping for a case of deja vu in the Caulfield Guineas.
Hawkes, who trains in partnership with his father John and brother Michael, saddles Showtime in Saturday’s Group One race over 1600m.
The training partnership won the Guineas last year with Divine Prophet under Dwayne Dunn who didn’t leave the rail after drawing barrier one.
Showtime has come up with the same barrier on Saturday and will be ridden by Damien Oliver.
“Dwayne railed like a greyhound, so I showed Damien the tape and said just ride him the same this year,” Wayne Hawkes said.
“You don’t have to go anywhere from barrier one, so he’s going to be right with them and if they go really hard he’ll be sitting just off them, waiting for that split.”
Showtime got little peace when fifth behind Royal Symphony, the $4.40 Guineas favourite, at Flemington on September 16 after being taken on in front.
He then came out and won the Bill Stutt Stakes at Moonee Valley on September 29.
Hawkes said Showtime was keen to get that race over and done with and expects the big field on Saturday to be ideal.
“They took him on Flemington and he only got beaten two-and-a-half lengths and those that took him on ran last and second last,” Hawkes said.
“He’s come out and won the Bill Stutt Stakes and probably went along a bit quick and bit hard chasing the leader.
“He’s done extremely well since and is literally jumping out of his skin.
“I can’t get him any better going into a Group One race.”
Showtime was rated a $12 chance in Caulfield Guineas odds with TAB on Friday.
