By Jonny Turner
Kirstin Barclay is set to make an impact at Winton on Thursday with a team of eachway chances.
Barclay brings five runners to the eight-race card including Macandrew Aviator and Tommy Waterhouse who step out in race 7.
Macandrew Aviator created a good impression in his eight starts last season and has had two workouts to prepare for his return.
After winning the first and running a strong second behind Memphis Tennessee in the next, the four-year-old looks primed for a big fresh up performance for driver Max Hill.
“His workouts this time in have been great, he is a really nice, genuine horse,” Barclay said.
“I’m really pleased Max gets to have a go on him, he does most of the work with him at home.”
“He is fit and ready to go, he sat parked in his workout last week and they ran a good time.”
“He is as fit as I can get him without having a race.”
Tommy Waterhouse has had the benefit of one run back, having run a good fourth at Ascot Park, just blowing out late.
Against the pacer on Thursday is his barrier 8 draw.
“I was really happy with him fresh up,” Barclay said.
“The draw is a bit tricky, he gets a bit keen behind the gate and he is probably going to have to go back.”
“But he has got a good turn of foot coming off their backs, so hopefully he can settle.”
Barclay starts her day by lining up Tisbury Rocks in race 3.
The three-year-old hit the line strongly for third in her debut at Ascot Park, surprising her trainer in the process.
“She surprised me because a few weeks ago I was going to sack her.””
“I took her to the workouts and it was d-day, she tried hard and I thought we will give her another week.”
“Then she kept improving each time.”
“She is a hard one to peg, but from the draw (1), you would think she could get money again.”
Over The Odds steps out in race 8 for Barclay on the back of a highly impressive maiden win.
Though the pacer is drawn on the second row, he looks nicely placed following out his main rival Bettor’s Brigadier.
“We put the blinds on him, he can be a little bugger to knock off, and he went really good.”
“He is back on a big track and I have been really happy with him.”
“It is a jump up from maidens into quite a handy C1 field but I definitely think he is improving all the time.”
The talented but sometimes wayward Madrik returns for Barclay in race 5 on Thursday.
The trainer-driver has some concerns over the four-year-old being placed in barrier 5.
“It is a bit of trainer error, he has been off the unruly at the workouts because he used to panic a bit at the start.”
“He is going to be right in the mix first time back which is a bit of a concern, but his manners have been really good.”
“But he will definitely benefit from this run.”
Madrik won a Winton workout recently, though just in a slow time.
