Glen Boss has picked up the ride on quality stayer Surprise Baby (NZ) in Saturday’s Gr.2 Zipping Classic (2400m) at Sandown and believes the son of Shocking can put his best foot forward.
The six-year-old started favourite in the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) but failed to make any impression when 13th under Craig Willams.
Horsham trainer Paul Preusker elected to head to the Zipping Classic after Surprise Baby recovered well from his Cup exertions, with Boss taking over from Williams.
“He can bounce back. He has got an electric turn of speed,” Boss said.
“Obviously I am going to ride him quiet and ride him like he’s the best horse in the race – which he is. If he can show that acceleration (then he will be hard to beat).
“Speaking to Paul he said the horse has done very well after the race. All the indications are he will run very well.”
Boss said punters should rule a line through Surprise Baby’s Melbourne Cup performance.
“I thought his run was a forgive run and definitely nothing wrong with Craig’s ride,” he said.
“I was in his vicinity throughout the whole race and for at least 100m, going to the winning post the first time, he got dealt to really badly. He got sideways and really bent out of shape.”
