Albany trainer Paul Hunter has been pleased by Panaster Boy’s recent form and expects the son of Pricelessly to produce another honest effort in the Tim Mosel Handicap (1300m) at Northam on Thursday.
Panaster Boy has had one success from 16 outings but is knocking on the door of another victory with consecutive placings at his past two appearances.
He gallantly chased home Master Tenby but fell short by a nose margin and then led before fading a length behind Galiletto.
“He is getting close and what’s most pleasing from my perspective is how he has developed some consistency into his racing,” said Hunter.
“He enjoys racing on this track and has only missed the money once in five starts.
“His work has been very good and I expect him to figure in the finish once again.”
Galiletto backs up in the Round Corner Table Handicap (1600m) and the Dan Morton-trained four-year-old will have strong admirers to maintain his impressive strike rate.
The son of Galileo has been placed four of five starts and from barrier six and with the services of top jockey Shaun O’Donnell he looms as another top chance.
The dangers to Galiletto will be View The Stars, who will strip fitter after two runs back from a spell; last-start winner Hong Kong Star and Norm Pascoe’s Bentonian, a winner at this track and distance three starts back.
Stock Trader, prepared by Alan Mathews, steps out for his first appearance in the Maxman Maiden (1100m) and will debut on the back of an impressive trial win.
The Trade Fair gelding has drawn well in gate six and will be ridden by Pat Carbery.
Another to catch the eye in a recent trial was Neville Parnham’s Enemy Lines who ran a close second to Tempestuous Strike over 1000m.
Tempestuous Strike was successful at his one and only start last November.
“I thought his trial was a sound effort and he is showing a lot of promise this horse,” said Parnham.
“Stock Trader is a threat but my horse goes pretty nice and I expect him to run really well.”