Paul Preusker has always had a big opinion of Captain Envious (NZ) (Savabeel), which was why he ran him in the 2022 Queen Elizabeth Stakes behind Soulcombe (Frankel) at Flemington at only his sixth start.
However, early this year when Captain Envious returned to racing over autumn, Preusker felt he didn’t race to his early potential.
This spring Preusker has gone about things differently with Captain Envious, with a focus country Cups while not pushing him out in distance.
And the trainer believes Saturday’s Listed Ballarat Cup provides a perfect opportunity for his galloper.
“It’s the right race for him at the right time,” Preusker said.
“He’s probably not that well off on the handicaps, but he is if he had won his last start which he probably should have,” he said.
Preusker was referring to Captain Envious’ last-start third in the A$500,000 Country Cup Final (2000m) behind Claidheamh Mor (Dundeel) at Caulfield when he suffered interference early in the race and gave away a big start.
Preusker said this preparation had been about working Captain Envious out and not pushing him out over a staying trip.
“I’ve just felt him out where he was, so he didn’t get lost. The first preparation sapped him a little and he’s starting to come together now.”
“In terms of his future, we’ll keep it open. We’re trying to plot our path to better things and a Ballarat Cup would be nice.”
“We’ve just let him tick over and earn a dollar.”
Captain Envious, who will be ridden by Michael Dee, has drawn barrier two and is $8 with Sportsbet to win the Ballarat Cup.
