Linebacker (NZ) (Super Seth) might have been beaten fair and square by Public Attention (NZ) (Written Tycoon) first-up, but co-trainer John O’Shea can make a strong case for him to turn the tables in the Hobartville Stakes.
Not only will Linebacker meet his last start conqueror at level weights, he is also expected to strip significantly fitter for what was just his third run in 10 months.
“He has never won at six (furlongs, 1200m) so we were always a bit dubious on him first-up,” O’Shea said.
“He just executed a little poorly but he will go a lot better.
“He had two-and-a-half kilos more and he got beaten just over a length. He gets back to his favoured haunt, 1400-metres at Rosehill.”
Linebacker raced fresh first-up in the Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) and found himself leading, which wasn’t O’Shea’s preference.
The trainer has responded by making a minor gear adjustment for this weekend.
“We will put a cross-over (nose band) on just to get him to drop in a bit,” he said.
The Hobartville Stakes has attracted a high-class field of 11 led by Cox Plate third placegetter Broadsiding, who makes his campaign return under Zac Lloyd with his regular Sydney rider James Mcdonald committed to partnering champion Romantic Warrior in the Saudi Cup (1800m).
Public Attention will have to overcome the outside gate if he is to make it two from two this campaign, while Linebacker has drawn barrier seven, immediately inside Broadsiding.