Baby Shooz for feature-race win

Baby Shooz has built up a reputation as a leading light on the Polytrack at Greyville, but a glance at his form on turf indicates that he is not just a one-surface wonder.

Form proves the Peter Muscutt-trained runner is equally adept on grass, where he has raced seven times for two wins, two seconds and two thirds. His last outing was in the Listed Christmas Handicap over 1600m on the Greyville turf track and he might be considered an unlucky loser.

He cast his left fore shoe in running and finished third, beaten just 0.55 lengths by Mount Anderson.

He can get some consolation for that defeat on Sunday when he lines up for the Listed Michael Roberts Handicap over 1750m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville.

The four-year-old son of Jackson has only raced once at Scottsville and that was on debut over 1200m, where he finished a 2.75-length second behind Poinciana. He is quite a versatile runner as he has won over 1400m, 1600m and 2000m, so this 1750m will not be a problem.

He also has the advantage of jumping from pole position, carries just 53.5kg and has Sean Veale in the irons.

His main danger is expected to come from Mr Fitz, who separated Baby Shooz and Mount Anderson in the Christmas Handicap. Shane Humby’s charge has a great record at the track as he has raced at Scottsville six times for two wins, two seconds and a fourth.

He finished just a short head in front of Baby Shooz but is now 0.5kg worse off, and considering the problems Muscutt’s runner had that day, Baby Shooz should be capable of reversing the placings.

Mr Fitz is nicely drawn at No 3 and will be ridden by Gareth Wright. There are others with chances but these two could well be enough to get one through all the exotics.