Ultra-consistent maidener Oscar (NZ) (Mulaazem) will aim to break a streak of runner-up performances when he contests the NZB Mega Maiden Series (1200m) at Woodville on Wednesday.
The front-running four-year-old has been in the Wanganui stable of Jo Rathbone since late last year, and he has emerged as a competitive prospect with two thirds and three seconds in his past five starts.
Rathbone, who has had an abundance of success as a jumps jockey and trainer, said that some added variety in his training was the turning point for Oscar.
“When he first came he didn’t impress me that much, but he’s been doing heaps of jumping,” she said. “He went from not galloping particularly well and not being all that interested, to just loving his work and racing well.
“He seems to bounce back from his races very well and Amber (Riddell) is riding him tomorrow, so hopefully the three kilos will help. He’s keen, he wants to get on and do it, but you can sit there and hold him, he’s doesn’t go too crazy.”
Rathbone will have a further quartet of runners at the midweek meeting, including Billy Boy and last-start maiden winner Overdraft in the Dannevirke Dairy Supplies Woodville-Pahiatua Cup (2100m).
Billy Boy (So You Think) is unbeaten at the course from three attempts, including an impressive display over the hurdles back in early September. While jumping will be in his future, the son of So You Think is more than capable on the flat and Rathbone intends to mix the two this campaign.
“I think he’s still on the way up, he’ll improve out of tomorrow but he’s pretty honest,” Rathbone said. “He likes Woodville, I don’t think he’s been beaten there so far but again, he’ll improve from this run.
“He will jump at some stage, I haven’t got a set plan for exactly when, but it’s a matter of taking him as he comes. I’ll get a good idea of how fit he is tomorrow and how he pulls up, but I think he’s still smart enough on the flat to win a couple more.
“We’ve got options.”
The lightly-raced Overdraft (NZ) (Burgundy) capped off a string of second placings with a comfortable victory at Waverley and has made a good impression on his trainer so far.
“He’s been pretty honest and consistent, this is a step up in grade and it’s a stronger 65 so it’ll be a good test for him,” Rathbone said. “He tries, he’s a nice horse and I quite like him.
“He’s quite a relaxed horse, he always gave me the impression that he’d go over a trip and he’s been doing a bit of jumping as well, which he’s enjoyed.”