Newcastle trainer Darren Smith admits he was disappointed when Heaps More was beaten last start but subsequent events have buoyed his confidence for the mare’s Cessnock assignment on Monday.
Heaps More, a four-year-old by Al Maher, was unlucky to run into the Kris Lees-trained French stayer Award Season when runner-up over 1750m at Muswellbrook on December 18.
Award Season franked the merit of the form with a highly impressive win over 2400m at Warwick Farm on Saturday.
Heaps More was beaten 3-1/4 lengths by Award Season but was closing well on the line after making up good ground out wide.
“I found mine at the back of Murrurundi, they got theirs from France,” Smith said of the differing backgrounds of Heaps More and Award Season.
A Dynamic syndications horse, Heaps More lines up in the Jungle Juice In July Benchmark 60 Hcp (2125m) with Dale Spriggs in the saddle.
Heaps More has recorded one win and five placings from 13 starts but Smith believes the best lies ahead for the mare.
“Hopefully she can progress onto better things,” he said.
“I’m sure she’ll run the 2125 metres and should get even further.
“She’s always shown she wants ground.
“Her last run was very good. She attacked the line well and the extra trip at Cessnock is in her favour.
“She’s a nice type of mare, relaxed, quiet to ride and good to handle.”
Heaps More has been consistent in four runs this campaign, improving each start as her distances have been stretched out.
“She’s at her peak now. I’m happy with her, she’s in good order,” Smith said.