Swift Legend will make the jump from midweek grade to tougher company on Sunday, but jockey Jason Collett warns that the promising colt’s lack of polish could be his only stumbling block.
The Dundeel three-year-old has put together stylish wins at Warwick Farm and Canterbury, prompting connections to test him in the Vinnie @ Yarraman Park Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill.
Collett, who has partnered him to both victories, says the horse has the raw ability but must take another professional step from barrier 10.
“He just needs to do things professionally. He is still that bit raw so that could be his undoing,” Collett said.
“He stepped up in trip last time and he was tough and strong . . . but when he got to the front, he was having a good look around. He’s still got more to come in that sense, and he does have an engine too.
“The barrier is tricky, but he is heading in the right direction.”
Collett has started the season strongly with 22 winners and seven Rosehill bookings this weekend. His spring featured a major highlight when steering Stefi Magnetica to victory in The Invitation, complementing her previous Doncaster Mile triumph.
But he admits near misses have been a theme.
“I’ve had a few misses in some of the big races, which has been a bit frustrating, but I’ve picked up a few Group Twos and Listed races in the last month or so, which has been good,” he said.
“Expectation is a big killer, but we’re still going great and I’m very happy with how the season is going so far.”
Among his key Rosehill rides is former top-class three-year-old Elliptical, now under the care of Chris Waller.
The entire nearly claimed both the 2022 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) and Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) before a stint in Hong Kong halted his momentum.
He resumed on The Hunter day at Newcastle, finishing midfield in a leader-biased race, and early TAB prices have firmed him from $21 to $17.
For those looking to wager on Rosehill’s Sunday meeting, markets are available at Australia’s top betting sites.