It only takes one small thing to go wrong to affect a trainer’s plans.
Matthew Brown had a plan in place with Prix De Turn who runs in the Neds Punter Assist Handicap (1700m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
Prix De Turn started his campaign with a pleasing sixth at Flemington over 1620m on June 17 and was then to have run at that venue last Saturday before going to 2000m, at Flemington, on Saturday week.
But Prix De Turn pulled-up a sore following that first-up outing.
“He had some muscle soreness because I think he actually had a crack for the first time in a while,” Brown said.
“It’s something new for him. It was nothing drastic, just a bit stiff and tight all over from the run.
“We were very happy with the run. It was more than a pass mark and he probably just peaked a little bit late in the race.”
Requiring a quiet week to get over his first-up run, Brown instead set his sights on Saturday’s race, however he is a little put off by barrier 16.
Brown said he would have a think about whether Prix De Turn takes his place, and if he doesn’t, there is an 1800m race at Randwick on Saturday week that may be suitable.
But wherever Prix De Turn next starts, Brown is looking forward to getting him out to 2000m.
“He’s going really well and has come back better gelded,” Brown said.
“He’s looking to get out to 2000 metres third-up if we can find the right race.”
Brown said She’s Pretty Rich will back-up in the Neds Bet Back Handicap (1400m) after an unlucky fourth behind Seonee in the Leilani Series Final (1400m) at Flemington last week.
“They went pretty slow after she bounded in the air at the start,” Brown said.
“She probably peaked on the run with the big gap between runs, but she’s bounced out of it pretty well and it looks a winnable race.”
Brown’s third runner for the meeting is He’s The Real Deel in the Neds No Place Handicap (1400m).
It will be the gelding’s first run since December.
“He’s been trialling well,” Brown said.
“Barrier one will work in his favour, if he steps well, otherwise it might count against him.”
