Jockey Brad Rawiller’s first task on Trust In A Gust at Flemington will be to negotiate a wide barrier.
His second will be to capitalise on any good fortune which may come his way in the VOBIS Gold Reef on Saturday.
The VOBIS Gold concept has been a cash cow for Trust In a Gust with the Darren Weir-trained three-year-old earning more than $250,000 during the series.
Trust In A Gust winning the Harris Walker VOBIS Gold Carat at Caulfield ridden by Damien Oliver and trained by Darren Weir - (photo by Steven Dowden/Race Horse Photos Australia)
However, Trust In A Gust has to overcame barrier 17 in the $250,000 race.
Rawiller said the prospect of speed inside him left Trust In A Gust vulnerable in the early stages.
“It just comes down to whether I can get him into a position where I can give him a good run,” Rawiller said.
“We’ll need a little bit of luck to fall our way but hopefully I can sort that out,” Rawiller said.
Trust In A Gust finished sixth in the Bendigo Guineas at his most recent start.
Heavy rain caused the track to deteriorate before the Guineas, leaving Rawiller prepared to forgive the colt’s unplaced run.
“Put a line through that run because he just wasn’t happy that day,” Rawiller said.
A strong win over 1500m at Moonee Valley in January gives Rawiller confidence Trust In A Gust will cope with his first test at 1600m.
The Caulfield Cup-winning rider said the conditions of the race would favour Trust In A Gust.
Rawiller also has to help Akzar overcome a poor draw in the Community Raceday Handicap.
Akzar drew barrier 19 for his latest assignment but will move in at least three gates after early scratchings.
Since joining the Weir stable, Akzar has proven a revelation with three impressive city wins.
Rawiller credited Weir’s horsemanship with taking the seven-year-old from an also-ran in a country cup to a potential stakes horse in three starts.
“Darren has proven he’s a great horseman and being able to read a horse has helped turn Akzar around,” Rawiller said.
