Nextanix will be out to atone for his Christmas Cup defeat when he steps out in the Group Three Summer Cup at Rosehill on Boxing Day.
The Kerry Parker-trained four-year-old made late ground in a muddling-run race when he beat all but Sea Galleon in the Listed Christmas Cup on December 10.
He will be one of 12 runners in Monday’s 2400-metre staying feature and Parker is hoping Nextanix will have the breaks go his way after finishing second at three of his past four starts.
“He attacked the line well last start, which he seems to do most times he runs,” Parker said.
“We’ve just got to get him past them.
“He’s had a lovely preparation for the race and I expect him to run well again.”
The Summer Cup will be an important stepping stone for Nextanix.
Parker is hoping to aim him at some of the better staying races in the autumn and a victory on Monday would boost his chances of getting into those.
“He will go to the paddock after this for a let-up,” Parker said.
“Most likely we will try to bring him back for the autumn and head towards the Sydney Cup.
“This preparation has been about teaching him to be a racehorse.
“He didn’t know a lot but he’s worked it out as we’ve stretched him out over further.”
Regular rider Jeff Penza will again be aboard Nextanix in the Summer Cup.
His rivals will include emerging stayer Full Peal, the winner of his past five starts in Victoria.
He will be out to follow in the footsteps of Sea Galleon by outgunning the locals in the Boxing Day feature.
Parker says he respects all Nextanix’s rivals and doesn’t have a particular fear of the Victorian raider.
“There’s always something to beat wherever you go,” he said.
AAP TURF
