Swan Hill trainer Nathan Hobson is hopeful he can make a fruitful trip to Sandown as he strives for his maiden city victory.
Hobson will saddle Sovereign Duke and He’s The Sheriff in Saturday’s Ladbrokes Odds Boost Handicap (1000m).
Sovereign Duke carries top weight of 60kg after the claim for Chelsea Hall while He’s The Sheriff will carry the limit weight of 54kg and will be partnered by Linda Meech.
Hobson said he had gone close to scoring in town and would love nothing more than to achieve it with Sovereign Duke.
“Don’t Get Excited ran second at Caulfield early in the year and I almost won a race at Moonee Valley with Snip The Dancer a couple of years ago,” Hobson said.
“Sovereign Duke won at his first run for me and has been a good horse for the stable so hopefully he can give me my first city win.
“It would be good for Chelsea too. We’ve had a lot of luck together over the years.”
Sovereign Duke finished sixth last start, just over two lengths behind winner Crystal Dreamer, in an open handicap at Caulfield on December 16.
He rises six kilograms on Saturday while dropping to benchmark 70 grade.
“He ran super but the track was a bit hard for him,” Hobson said.
“Hopefully they get a bit of rain down there.
“I had He’s A Sheriff in at Moonee Valley and the track was hard as well.
“They talk about welfare for horses and we end up with these rock hard tracks.”
He’s The Sheriff has had two runs back following a spell finishing well back on his home track last month before closing off well for seventh at Moonee Valley over 955m at Moonee Valley on December 15.
“He drew the car park at Moonee Valley but he got back and got home OK I thought,” Hobson said.
“He looks like he’s out of his depth but I think he’s been working pretty well.”
