Trainer John Thompson is of the opinion that a return to firmer racing surfaces will be the key to unlocking the best performance from Embrace The Wind, the progressive three-year-old, when it contests the Rosehill meeting on Saturday.
The gelding has drawn the widest barrier in the Ranvet Handicap (1200m), but Thompson is not concerned, considering the gelding’s typical racing pattern.
“He gets back, so the draw probably doesn’t matter as much for him,” Thompson said. “I’d just love to see him back on top of the ground. He’s been running well on the heavy tracks, but when he gets back on top of the ground, I think you will see a better turn of foot.”
This sparingly-raced sprinter has returned in good order this preparation. He commenced his campaign with an eye-catching finish behind Lighthouse Lass at Rosehill in June, powering home from last on the turn to finish just over two lengths behind the winner, and then backed that up with a determined third place behind Rolling Magic on heavy ground at the same track.
Thompson expects the gelding to continue his improvement as he gains fitness and race experience.
“He’s progressive, and he’ll go through his grades. I think he’s got a bright future,” he stated. “He’s a sprinter. He will definitely push on (after Saturday), but where we head will depend on how he goes.”
Thompson is also looking ahead to the spring return of talented filly Screen Icon, who is slated to launch a carnival campaign after another trial at Rosehill next Friday.
The two-year-old stakes performer is being aimed at the Silver Shadow Stakes (1100m), the first race of Sydney’s four-leg Princess Series.
“She trialled well here the other day and beat the older horses,” Thompson commented. “She trials again on Friday week at Rosehill, and she will run first-up in the Silver Shadow.”
Screen Icon enjoyed a promising juvenile season, finishing runner-up in the Sweet Embrace Stakes, following an unlucky campaign that also featured a narrow defeat in the Gimcrack Stakes and a luckless seventh in the Inglis Millennium.
She narrowly missed a start in the Golden Slipper before concluding her campaign with a competitive effort in the Percy Sykes Stakes, finishing less than three lengths behind the winner despite reaching the end of her preparation.
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