David Harrison says Jericho Missile can prove himself worthy of a trip to the Goldfields when he tackles the Nicopolis Stakes (1200m) at Belmont on Saturday.
If Jericho Missile can produce a top performance in the $100,000 event, David Harrison will set his sights on the Listed Hannans Handicap (1400m) in Kalgoorlie.
“I’ll give him this run before hopefully the Hannans Handicap in a couple of weeks,” Harrison told The Races WA.
“He’s been on a long campaign and I’ve held him back a lot, but I’ve tried to keep him as fresh as I can.”
The Nicopolis Stakes has assembled a field of 10 starters with Jericho Missile to jump from barrier seven.
Kyra Yuill keeps the mount after guiding the five-year-old in last Saturday’s week Jolly Beggar Stakes (1000m).
He came from last position and got to within 1.5 lengths of Iseered Iseered after a chequered run in the straight.
While a stepping-stone to the Hannans on September 30, Harrison says a win in the Nicopolis Stakes would not be a surprise.
“I think he’s good enough to win it,” Harrison said.
“It just depends what sort of run he gets.
“He’s a get back runner who can finish strongly.
“I would like to think everything is going along well before the Hannans.”
Jericho Missile’s signature wins in 28 starts were the Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic (1200m) in 2019 and the Listed Belgravia Stakes (1200m) six months later.
In ten starts this preparation since March, the son of Smart Missile has won once and been placed on three occasions.
In current Tabtouch markets he is $10. Iseered Iseered, chasing a winning hatrick, is the $3.50 favourite.
Charlton Eddie and Son Of A God are at $5 and Don’t Fuss $7.50.
Meanwhile Harrison expects sound runs from stable mates Saturday Sun, Sunnysilk and Solid Azza on the weekend.
Saturday Sun is coming off a strong last-victory when he tackles the Byron Bay Premium Lager Handicap (1300m).
“I think he deserves a chance in this type of race,” Harrison said.
“I don’t think it’s overly strong.
“The 1300m looks a perfect race for him.”
Solid Azza is second up after charging home powerfully for fourth behind Spin The Knife.
Sunnysilk has been freshened since he defeated Dunbar in June.
The stable mates clash in the Ascot Racing Carnival Handicap (1000m).
“It might be a fraction short for Solid Azza,” Harrison said.
“Sunnysilk has won three of her last four or something.
“The only doubt in my mind is she is a tiny horse and has a bit of weight.
“But Paul (Harvey) suits her and she is probably my main chance.”
Solid Azza has drawn barrier one for Joe Azzopardi and is rated a $10 chance.
Sunnysilk has barrier three and is at $6.50.
