A debut victory against older horses has earned juvenile Backrower a chance in town, and longer-term, a possible spring carnival tilt.
The late-blooming colt will take his place in the Bowerman’s Handicap (1300m) at Rosehill on Saturday provided the track continues to dry out.
While he sustained a long run from back in the field to beat his more experienced rivals on a heavy surface at Newcastle, trainer Michael Freedman said the horse didn’t relish the conditions.
“Rory Hutchings, who rode him, made the comment that he didn’t really handle the heavy ground that well, but he was able to win on a bit of class,” Freedman said.
“He was scratched because of the heavy track last Saturday (at Randwick), so we are hoping it might be a little better this week at Rosehill.
“It was a win worth plenty of merit. The horse he beat (Huon) came out and won his next start (at Newcastle) last Saturday, so the form is quite strong.
“I think anytime those younger horses can beat those older horses, albeit at this time of the year, it’s a good sign. He is a progressive young horse.”
Backrower holds an entry for the Group 1 J J Atkins (1600m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday week but even if he wins well at Rosehill, he is unlikely to head north.
Freedman is happier to take a patient approach with the two-year-old and give him his opportunity in better grade next preparation.
“Probably whatever he does on Saturday, he will have a let-up and come back and see if he can measure up to something in the spring,” he said.
Keagan Latham takes the ride from barrier five.
