Fresh from a winning treble on Cranbourne Cup Day, jockey Beau Mertens is hoping to carry that momentum into another feature race at Caulfield.
Mertens guided Sabaj to victory in the Cranbourne Cup last Saturday, and is expected to reunite with Kovalica in the Group 2 Zipping Classic (2400m).
The Chris Waller-trained gelding had his first look at Caulfield on Tuesday, and Mertens was buoyed by his work.
“He worked nice this morning,” Mertens said.
“He worked over 1400 (metres), a nice last two (furlongs, 400m) on the bridle. I gave him a little squeeze up at the top of the straight and I thought he went nicely under hand through the line.”
“He seemed to get around Caulfield alright, and he seems in good form.”
“I’m looking forward to Saturday.”
Mertens said he expects to be booked for the ride.
“I hope it’s him because he seems to be going pretty well,” he said.
Although he doesn’t ride often for Waller, Mertens values the association.
“I’ve had a bit of luck with him,” Mertens said.
“I don’t do a lot for him, but I’ll come in a do some gallops.”
“I’ll always be there for him … it’s a good stable to be a part of.”
With seven winners in the past week, including Saturday’s treble, Mertens hopes the momentum continues.
“To win a race like the Cranbourne Cup … it was fantastic,” he said.
“Hopefully we can build on that and keep going strong for the rest of the year.”