Warrnambool-based Maddie Raymond is pleased that the conditions for Saturday’s Sandown meeting are expected to remain in the soft range as she prepares to send Heart Of Puissance to Melbourne for an 1800-metre handicap.
The seven-year-old gelding, also entered in a 2000-metre handicap at Murray Bridge on the same day, showed a return to form with a second-place finish in the Casterton Cup (2000m) last start.
Raymond believes the slight drop in distance this weekend will be beneficial. “I think he’s finally finding a bit of form,” Raymond said.
“He ran second last start. He’s going along really well, but he just needs some soft ground, which we haven’t had a lot of lately.
“So, if it doesn’t remain soft on Saturday, he could potentially head across to Adelaide.
“It was 2000 metres last start and the 1800 metres at Sandown is pretty tough.
“If there is cut in the ground, I think he’ll run up to his best.”
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