South Australian trainer Michael Hickmott is making the trip over the border looking to add another Stakes race to the record of Taunting.
Successful in the Listed Hills Railway Stakes (1100m) at Oakbank last month, Taunting is set to run in the Listed Bel Esprit Stakes (1000m) at Sandown on Saturday.
Hickmott does not see Saturday’s contest as a Stakes race, more a benchmark race, although he does hold a healthy regard for the opposition.
After his win at Oakbank, Taunting travelled to Warrnambool where he finished eighth behind former South Australian Outlaws Revenge in the Listed Wangoom Handicap (1200m) on May 3.
“Things didn’t quite go his way the other day at Warrnambool,” Hickmott said.
“He found himself in an awkward spot and was still only beaten two lengths.
“I wasn’t unhappy with the run, but I thought the way this race in handicapped, it’s basically a benchmark 93 worth $175,000.
“I thought it was the right type of race to be having a horse like him in, but I’ve got great respect for Peter Moody, he’s got an up-and-coming horse (Invincible Caviar) in it and a huge amount of respect for Grahame Begg who has Katsu in the race.”
The Sandown track was rated a Soft 5 on Wednesday at acceptance time and Hickmott said he would not mind a little rain for the gelding ahead of Saturday.
“He’s a horse that has trained on well,” Hickmott said.
“He needs to go there and run right up to his best, but I think he’s very well weighted against some of those up-and-coming horses.”
Hickmott is also looking forward to seeing Lacrima again in Melbourne when she lines up in the Evergreen Turf Handicap (1600m).
Lacrima was first-up off a short break when fifth behind Party For One over 1400m at Flemington on March 13 which followed a third-place finish in the Listed C S Hayes Stakes (1600m) at Morphettville in March.
“She was really good first-up at Flemington last time from a bad barrier,” Hickmott said.
“She went back to last and made enormous ground and really hit the line hard.
“The long run home is going to suit her, and I think she’s going to be hard to beat.”