For the Silver Slipper, Zac Lloyd holds stronger belief in Hidrix than entering the colt’s Canonbury Stakes debut.
Lloyd missed the Extreme Choice youngster’s pre-debut barrier trials, and the Chris Waller yard adopted a measured view initially due to the horse’s unpressured home efforts.
“No-one overwhelmed me with confidence before the race because he’s a very casual customer at trackwork,” Lloyd said.
“But he got a lovely run and that enabled him to sprint well, and he did win quite comfortably.
“Hopefully he has switched on mentally from that and can race well again on Saturday.
“He couldn’t have been more impressive.”
Hidrix’s Canonbury Stakes (1100m) result launched him to shared Golden Slipper favouritism, positioning him at $4.40 on the second row for Rosehill’s Silver Slipper (1100m).
At $4 ahead are Shiki from Tulloch Lodge, a filly, and Confederation, the Canonbury Stakes second, James McDonald continuing with the colt post a debut marred by errors yet resolute.
Incognito, prepared by Michael Freedman, was odds-on in the Canonbury Stakes before palate displacement led to fifth place.
The Breeders’ Plate winner now has precautions including tongue control and lugging bit to prevent recurrence on Saturday.
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