O’Tycoon deserves another chance at Alice Springs on Saturday.
The former NSW galloper, who had four wins from 21 starts for trainer Bjorn Baker, was a last-start fourth on January 5 in a BM76 over 1000m as the $1.45 favourite with horse racing bookmakers.
The Lisa Whittle-trained five-year-old gelding rallied late in the home straight after settling third shortly after the start before losing ground at the 600m.
O’Tycoon can atone in a 1200m open handicap, but Terry Gillett’s trio Brat, Vinnie’s Spirit and Great Buy pose threats in the six-horse field.
Before that hiccup a fortnight ago, O’Tycoon had prevailed by 4.5 lengths over 1100m in 0-70 class and by 6.5 lengths in a BM76 over 1200m in November.
Each time, the son of Written Tycoon settled on the speed before Darwin jockey Sonja Logan flicked the switch at the 500m.
That followed an eye-catching second in 0-70 company over 1200m in October when he rocketed home.
Brat, victorious in that race in early January after burning his rivals in the home straight to win by 2.5 lengths, is aiming for three straight wins after out-sprinting BM76 opposition over 1000m on December 21.
Logan, partnering O’Tycoon on Saturday, agrees that winning won’t be easy.
“Lisa gave him a freshen up leading into last start,” she said.
“It wasn’t a massive break, I just think he didn’t quite show it on the day.
“It was still a good run, he gave me a really good feel.
“We let the leaders go, he copped the kick back well and travelled up nice.
“I’d expect him to go a lot better this start.
“I don’t think he has to lead, he’s a bit more versatile than that.
“I think he just landed there lucky on those occasions when he won.”
Logan is wary of the in-form Brat.
“The Gillett stable was really happy with his run last start, they expected him to run well leading into that race,” she said.
“I wouldn’t expect any less of a challenge from Terry this weekend.”
Significantly, Aaron Sweeney replaces fellow Darwin jockey Stan Tsaikos aboard Brat.
Tsaikos, who produced two great rides on Brat, replaces Gillett’s daughter and apprentice Dakota on Vinnie’s Spirit.
With a 2kg claim, Dakota rides the topweight Great Buy.
In two starts since arriving from the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott yard, Vinnie’s Spirit has finished second twice behind Brat after blowing the start.
“You’ve got to have that gate speed in Alice Springs and Darwin just to get them out and get them travelling,” Logan added.
“If Vinnie’s Spirit jumps and travels well on Saturday, he will definitely be thereabouts at the finish – that’s for sure.”
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