Lankan Rupee had a hit out ahead of Sunday's Bletchingly Stakes
The Bletchingly Stakes at Sandown will be a different experience to the one Lankan Rupee encountered in an early morning track gallop.
The Mick Price-trained sprinter was taken to Sandown on Wednesday in preparation for Sunday’s Group Three weight-for-age sprint.
A heavy fog shrouded the circuit, making it difficult for riders to see other horses on the track.
Lankan Rupee was ridden by regular jockey Craig Newitt in the gallop.
“It was every riders dream, no one could see bar us,” Newitt told RSN927.
“Visibility was pretty ordinary. I sat four or five lengths off the horse in front of me and that was pretty much all I could see for the whole gallop.”
Newitt said there was seven or eight other horses out on the track during his gallop.
Lankan Rupee worked with his Mick Price-trained stablemate Duke Of Brunswick, also an entrant for Sunday’s Bletchingly Stakes which was rescheduled after being one of five races called off due to strong winds at Caulfield last Saturday.
Newitt liked the way Lankan Rupee picked up Duke Of Brunswick in the gallop.
“When we got around the 400-metre mark I picked him up pretty quick,” Newitt said.
“I was surprised how the old boy quickened down. On the line the other horse had the measure of me, but I reckon it was fitness that gave way in my bloke.”
Newitt said a good barrier will be crucial to Lankan Rupee’s chances on Sunday.
“If he gets a good gate and a pretty good run I think he’ll be a really good chance, if not his fitness may give out,” Newitt said.
“But I think the track will suit him.
“The track we’re on tends to suit horses on the speed and you would think he won’t be too far away.”
