Trainer Chris Nash will devise a Darwin Cup Carnival program for Mr Have A Chat after he meets quality opposition at Fannie Bay on Saturday.
Should the six-year-old gelding push Rising Sphere, Cielo D’Oro and Star Magnum over 1100m (BM76) he will be groomed for the big races come July and August.
After five wins from 34 starts in Victoria and SA, which included a win at Morphettville, the son of I’m All The Talk debuted in the Top End in February for a second over 1100m (0-76) before another second over 1100m (0-64) in March.
A sixth over 1200m (0-70) on St Patrick’s Cup Day was followed by victory over 1000m (0-64) on April 19 when he lumped 60kg to overcome 1100m track record holder Patriotic King, who carried 58kg.
Mr Have A Chat, favourite with online bookies in every Darwin start, drops 5kg with leading jockey Sonja Logan retaining the ride for the clash against potential Palmerston Sprint (1200m) aspirants.
“He’s probably better placed in 0-64 grade, but he won so well last start and can have a try against these tougher horses this week.
“Fresh suits him and he’s drawn well, so there’s no reason he won’t run a good race.
“He’s consistent, he’s fit, he’s fast, and he likes to jump and run — he’s a tough little sound horse.
“It’s a good test and if he can hold his own maybe he’ll be able to run in the better races over carnival.
“If he finds it a length or two too tough at least we’ll know that the 0-64 grade and the lower class races is where he sits.
“Sonja was keen to ride him again, she did everything right last start.
“Looking at it, maybe Rising Sphere is the one to beat – he’s drawn one and he’s pretty quick as well.”
Nash attempted to secure Mr Have A Chat some 18 months ago, but Goolwa trainer David Jolly, who cared for the horse for owners Grand Syndicates, said the gelding wasn’t for sale.
“Once he reached his mark in Adelaide, David recommended to the owners to send him up,” Nash added.
“That was the first win for Grand Syndicates here in Darwin, hopefully they may end up running a few more horses up here.”
Nash won the 2021 Palmerston Sprint with Mayameen and claimed second place last year with Ideas Man, who returned to work in Adelaide a few months ago and arrives back in the Top End on Friday.
Son Of Bielski, who won five straight at Fannie Bay before a foot abscess ruled him out of April’s Alice Springs Cup (2000m), trials on Tuesday in preparation for the Darwin Cup.
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