Butler hoping for a Fruitful nowra meet

RICHARD Butler is sure he’s got Fruitful Warrior on track to record yet another win at his home track when he races in a Class 2 Handicap (1400m) at Nowra today.

The Choisir five-year-old is very fit now after two improving runs at Gosford and Moruya against the likes of city performers Anna’s Joy, Sophiella and Budderoo Knight.

“You’d think he’s a big chance in this race given the run he gave us in open company at Moruya last start and first-up he put in a good effort at Gosford when he had no luck and run up in behind them,” Butler said.

“Now that he’s third-up from a spell he should start to peak.

“There’s nice form around him this time in so it puts him in good stead now over 1400m at a track and distance he’s won at previously.”

And the fact the track has received its fair share of rain in the past seven days only adds to Butler’s delight for a horse that’s in its comfort zone these days. Butler knows he’s got him in the right state of mind to give it his all when he steps on to a race track.

“He loves being trained at Nowra. He’s the sort of horse that needs routine. He’s been a hard horse to figure out and racing at home is an advantage,” Butler said.

“Another added advantage is the fact the track will be in the soft-to-heavy range which is where he races his best.

“The soft tracks help him get through his races. On hard tracks he just doesn’t race to his best.”

Robbie Dolan rides him from barrier six and he’ll ride him depending on how he starts.

“If he begins well he can be handy on the speed and if he’s slow away you’ve just got to make sure he’s given plenty of galloping room approaching the bend because he’ll be running home strongly,” Butler said.