South Australian sprinter Press Down will try and continue his red-hot winter when he chases his third win in succession in Saturday’s $150,000 Santa Ana Lane Series Final (1200m) at Flemington.
Trainer Peter Hardacre’s decision to look beyond the Adelaide Racing Carnival with the talented four-year-old has proven the right one, netting consecutive wins including an impressive last-start win in the $150,000 Golden Topaz at Swan Hill.
Hardcare said the horse returns to Victoria in great shape in a campaign that continues to build.
“He’s really well,’’ Hardacre said.
“He did a nice piece of work on the course proper at Murray Bridge on Monday and had a nice little gallop up the hill on the sand this morning (Thursday).
“It’s a nice stepping stone for him coming through, he’s weighted to run well,’’ he said.
Hardacre said the timing of the Swan Hill feature gave the stable the opportunity to freshen the horse up ahead of his return to Flemington where he raced twice last year running sixth behind Legio Ten and third behind Cause For Concern.
“We were able to give him 10 days off after Swan Hill and he seems to be even better again,’’ Hardacre said.
“The one thing I’ve noticed is just how much stronger he’s getting and he’s a more relaxed horse around the stable,’’ he said.
Hardacre has three runners at Saturday’s Gawler meeting and said progressive stayer A Touch Frosty could be his best chance of success getting up in distance.
“I really like him drawn out wide with a bit of room,’’ Hardacre said.
“And stepping up to 2100m looks ideal.
“There are a couple of Victorians who obviously bring some decent form over, but I think he’s my best chance,’’ he said.
Mount Gambier Cup winner Thrill Kill will have his second run back from a break earlier in the day while he said they were cautious regarding the chances of talented mare Billie Bronx who is also second-up.
“He (Thrill Kill) was pretty good first-up in a strong 2000m race, so back to 1700m isn’t probably ideal,’’ Hardacre added.
“I’ve got a 2000m country cup over the border in mind with him and he’s going to appreciate another run under his belt.
“Billie Bronx was probably in the wrong part of the track the other day, but was still a little disappointing all the same.
“She’s drawn the inside which probably isn’t ideal and if she doesn’t run well on Saturday, she’ll go back out and we’ll bring her back in when the tracks dry out,’’ he said.
