Andrew Noblet expects Lord Esprit to run well first-up if the sprinter can adapt to Flemington’s famous straight course.
Lord Esprit broke through at his third start with an on-speed win over 1200m at Sandown in April but hasn’t raced since.
The three-year-old resumes in a heat of the AR Creswick Series and Noblet is keen to see how the son of Bel Esprit fares in his biggest test.
“I’m really happy with his condition and the way he’s going but it’s a bit of a test going up the straight having not been there before,” Noblet said.
“Some horses adapt straight away and some take a couple of goes at it. It will be interesting.”
Lord Esprit, to be ridden by apprentice Michael Dee, is at $13 with Rough Justice and Star Stealer joint favourites at $4.
Noblet will monitor the weather and track condition before deciding whether By The Grace runs in the Jeune Handicap (1610m).
Flemington was rated in the good range on Thursday and Noblet is hoping for rain.
“He’s going well but I’m just worried about, if we don’t get any rain, how firm the track might be,” Noblet said.
“He just doesn’t extend on firm tracks. I’d just rather a bit of cut in the ground for him.”
General Custer is fourth emergency in the Brian Beattie Handicap while No Excuses Bec is set to run in the $100,000 David Bourke Provincial Plate.
Noblet said No Excuses Bec had come back well but he had to scratch her from a fillies and mares’ race last Saturday because of a mild bout of colic.
“The nice big track will suit her but I’d rather her in mares’ grade,” Noblet said.
