Book going out the window at Mornington
Being beaten six lengths in a previous start is rarely a sign of good form on the horizon but it‘s an indication Bookman is ready to improve sharply at Mornington on Saturday.
Bookman has developed a trait of producing unplaced performances at his first two runs before improving sharply in subsequent outings.
Bookman beat one runner home when resuming at Sandown last month before finishing a well held fourth in the Warracknabeal Cup second-up.
But Ballarat trainer Andrew Noblet said Bookman’s work this week indicated he was ready to show his quality in Saturday’s Catanach’s Jewellers Handicap (1600m) at Mornington.
“He always takes a couple of runs to get fully fit,” Noblet said.
“He went terribly first-up last prep and he got back on a fast track (first-up) this time in.
“Second-up last time in, he wasn’t great but he hit his straps after that.
“I reckon it might be the same this time in. His work this week has probably been the best he’s been.”
The son of Xtravagant scored thirdup last time in before progressing through the spring with wins in wet ground at Sandown and Hamilton but ran second in the $500,000 Country Final at Flemington on Oaks Day.
Noblet said the gelding, part-owned by retired Cox Plate-winning trainer Colin Little, could belie his $23 opening quote at Mornington provided the track was not too firm.
“He’s not a bad horse,” Noblet said. “When you’ve got a 78-rater, they can be very hard to place but he’s going well.
“He just wants to get his toe into the track, he doesn’t want it too hard so that’s the only question mark over him.
“If he gets the right conditions, I’m sure he can measure up.”
Jockey Billy Egan will ride Bookman.