Dean Nazzari said Mitchell Pateman’s temperament would overcome his inexperience and he had no hesitation in selecting the apprentice jockey to take the mount on top local hope Brother Patrick in Sunday’s Coolgardie Cup (1600m).
Nazzari had the option of choosing an experienced rider as apprentices are unable to claim in the $100,000 feature, but settled on Pateman who has built up a strong winning association with the former New South Wales galloper.
Pateman, who will commence from an ideal position in barrier three, has partnered Brother Patrick to four of his victories, including an impressive hat trick at the end of his previous preparation earlier in June.
“Mitchell has terrific racing sense and races beyond his years,” said Nazzari.
“He has a better understanding of Brother Patrick than anyone else and deserves to retain the mount.
“He has great confidence in the horse and we have great confidence in him.”
Nazzari believes Brother Patrick is nearing peak fitness and is ready to perform at his best again after two runs back at Kalgoorlie and Belmont respectively.
The Anabaa gelding ran eighth to Hussation (1300m) on his home track before doing his best work late when fourth and 1 ¼ lengths from Belora (1400m).
“I thought his first up run was meritorious when racing wide with a big weight,” said Nazzari.
“He then got carted off the track and should have finished closer to Belora who had the soft run.
“He is well weighted, nicely drawn and I’m confident on his home turf he won’t be too far away from his best.”
Nazzari rates Amelias Dancer, prepared by Lou and Dion Luciani and Adam Durrant’s Double Barrel as the biggest dangers to Brother Patrick.
Amelias Dancer impressed when he steamed home from near last to defeat Doutable (1650m) at Belmont Park on August 11.
The Danzero gelding, to commence from barrier two for experienced rider Jason Whiting, has eight wins from 19 starts including six at the mile journey.
Double Barrel, at his first start this preparation, finished powerfully to defeat Miss Tipsy Topsy (1600m) at Belmont Park on August 21.
The Musketeer gelding carried 60.5kg when sixth of nine to Belora (1400m) at the same venue three weeks later.
Double Barrel, fourth in last year’s Coolgardie Cup behind Kincaple, has drawn nine for jockey Clint Harvey.
“It’s a perfect draw and from that position he can definitely play a part in the finish,” said Harvey.
“He gets nice weight relief and I’m looking forward to taking him around.”
Double Barrel, with 2009 Coolgardie Cup winner Reverend Lovejoy, is one of two entrants from the Durrant stable.