Leading trainer Gordon Spowart believes if there is genuine top end speed in today’s Skywest Handicap (1200m) it will play into the hand of his galloper Statewide.
“He likes to get back and if they go hard early he will be steaming home at the end of the race,” said Spowart.
Statewide, a five-year-old gelding by State City, has proved to be a model of consistency since entering Spowart’s stable two years back.
In nine starts on the Geraldton track he has won three times and been placed on four other occasions.
It included a brilliant win last December, his first run back after an eight month absence, when he rattled home from next to last on the corner.
“He sat back and went to the line well,” Spowart said.
“Today’s assignment is a little tougher and the draw doesn’t help, but if there is speed he will come over the top of them.”
Stable mates Barossa Red, State Kama, Macapache and newcomer Foo Flyer also have winning claims on the programme.
Foo Flyer, who had three placing from seven starts with Todd Harvey, has drawn gate three in the Freemasons Hotel’s Abrolhos Platter Handicap (1100m).
“I’ve had her for about a month and her work hasn’t been what I was hoping for, but she does come with a bit of a wrap,” Spowart said.
“State Kama showed improvement and Barossa Red has been thereabouts.”
Am So You for Jodie Liakousis hasn’t put a foot wrong since returning from a spell with successive wins and will have strong admirers in the Dome On The Foreshore Handicap (1100m).
Stable mate Zaktoaking will be improved by his first up outing and in the Freemasons Hotel Handicap (1200m) the six-year-old has drawn pole position.
Kick It Ben faces a tough task from barrier 15 and a drop back to the 1200m of the Skywest Holidays Maiden, but deserves a change of luck after a series of minor placings.
Julio Santarelli