Mark Newnham has tinkered with Expat’s training program this campaign and while it might have been costly first-up, he hopes to reap the rewards in the Racing & Sports Golden Pendant.
The speedy mare has historically raced well fresh but been flatter in her second-up runs so with Saturday’s Golden Pendant (1400m) in mind, Newnham deliberately left room for improvement when he sent her around in the Mona Lisa Stakes earlier this month.
Expat ended up outside the leader in a strongly run race and tired to finish midfield, but with the benefit of a subsequent barrier trial win, Newnham is optimistic the mare is ready to build on her outstanding record at Rosehill where she has won four of her seven starts.
“I trained her a little bit differently so she could be effective second-up,” Newnham said.
“She was probably a bit vulnerable anyway off quite a decent break, so she just got found out a bit fitness-wise.
“She has had plenty of work since, a solid trial, she gets back to her favourite track and she should get conditions to suit with rain on the way.
“She has a good draw as well, so she’s well in a race like that.”
Expat has drawn barrier two in the field of 16, which is headed by Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes winner Nimalee and Tattersall’s Tiara heroine Startantes.
Espiona is also slated to tackle the race second-up after a slightly disappointing return when midfield in the Group 2 Sheraco Stakes (1200m), however she will have to overcome a tough draw in barrier 15.
Meanwhile, Newnham reports Galaxy runner-up Big Parade has suffered a minor setback that has delayed his spring return.
The sprinter was originally scheduled to resume in this week’s Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley but now won’t be seen until at least next month.
“He’s had a little setback,” Newnham said.
“We just have to see what happens but if he is to run during the spring, he would probably run first-up in the Sydney Stakes.”