3 minute read
McCreery can build on a strong Australian debut when contesting the ATC @ Gosford Benchmark 78 Handicap.
The Chris Waller-trained import commenced his race career in Australia with a closing second over 1400m at Rosehill three weeks ago.
It was a highly encouraging effort from the son of Big Bad Bob over a distance short of his ideal trip.
The gelding will have taken plenty of benefit from the outing and considering the strength of his best form in the UK while under the care of Roger Charlton, there is substantial room for improvement.
McCreery recorded a Timeform rating of 96 when resuming at Rosehill, a figure ten pounds shy of his master rating achieved when running second in a Class 2 Handicap over the mile at Haydock Park in September 2015.
A half to UK Group 1 winning mare Thistle Bird, McCreery should appreciate rising to a mile with added fitness second up at Gosford on Thursday.
The four-year-old already rates on top amongst this field on weight adjusted ratings for what he produced at Rosehill.
Knowing he is capable of better still, he brings a strong profile into the contest.
Hugh Bowman stays aboard having partnered him first up.
As of Thursday morning, Handfast narrowly holds favouritism after commencing his latest campaign with consecutive wins.
The son of Street Cry was gelded in his latest spell and has proceeded to work through his grades nicely.
Neither of his wins this campaign have been overly convincing however they’ve been successes nonetheless.
There are a few queries surrounding Handfast third up though.
He is untried at the mile and is out of a mare best known for producing sprinters such as Rusambo and Engagement.
In fact none of his siblings to have raced have done so over a mile or beyond.
The family so far possess wins over distances varying between 1200m and 1400m.
Handfast also has to be some sort of query on the rain affected track on offer at Gosford with his worst career outings to date coming on a heavy 9 at Wyong on debut when a 1.5 length fifth in a 2YO Maiden for colts and geldings.
Rhodin Drive shapes as the third elect in the small field of nine who remain after scratchings.
The Gwenda Markwell-trained gelding is holding form well this campaign and has placed in his past two outings, the latest of which came over the Warwick Farm mile.
Rhodin Drive should be rock hard fit fourth run from a spell and is another in the field who has shown through prior preparations he can produce more than what he has so far this campaign.
Race depth begins to drop off after this trio which looks firmly spearheaded by McCreery who looks set to open his win account in Australia second up.
