Do You Just (So You Think) steps up to a more suitable distance at Ellerslie and a bold showing is expected from the colt in his juvenile grand final.
The Wexford Stables representative will close out his campaign in Saturday’s Listed Skycity Champagne Stakes (1600m) ahead of a break.
“We put him aside after a spring preparation and brought him back with these longer two-year-old races in mind,” said Andrew Scott, who trains in partnership with Lance O’Sullivan.
“That’s what he is genetically bred to do, and we think as he gets out in trip his chances will get better.”
In his two most recent Te Rapa outings, Do You Just was runner-up on his return and then finished midfield in the Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre Stakes (1400m) under Warren Kennedy, who retains the ride.
“We were very pleased with his last run, he got a little wide and a little keen and just peaked on his run and has taken good improvement,” said Scott, who recently celebrated his 1,000th training success.
“He’s going to relish the mile and we’ve taken the blinkers off and will put side winkers on to help him find more rhythm.”
Do You Just will head for a rest after the weekend and return for quality age group features in the spring.
“He’ll go for a wee break and we think he will continue to get better. He’s a big boy and still quite leggy and he’s got a good future,” Scott said.
Stablemate Grande Gallo (NZ) (Belardo) has enjoyed a lucrative preparation and more of the same is expected of the Belardo mare in the Network Visuals Handicap (1400m), in which she will be aided by Triston Moodley’s 2kg claim.
“She’s been super consistent all season and has won around Ellerslie before,” Scott said.
Grande Gallo has put together a brace of wins and two placings from her last five appearances.
“She steps up to the 1400m and she’s had a wee gap between runs, but we’ve kept her work up to run the seven furlongs and she’s aided by a good gate (one),” Scott said.
“She is so genuine and we wouldn’t expect anything but another competitive run from her on Saturday.”
Shocking five-year-old Reptak (NZ) (Shocking) will shoot for two wins on the bounce when he steps out in the Manuka Doctor Handicap (1200m).
Jockeys’ Premiership winner in waiting Craig Grylls has been booked to partner the gelding, who made all the running to score over the course and distance when resuming.
“He has to take another step up to the Rating 75 grade, but he won with a good bit of authority last time and has been around Ellerslie a couple of times, he trialled really well there before he won,” Scott said.
The stable also likes the chances of Jon Snow’s son King Of The North (NZ) (Jon Snow) in the Join TAB Racing Club Handicap (2200m) with Moodley to guide the four-year-old.
“He got back on a very slow pace the other day and his sectionals were quite good,” Scott said.
“He’s a promising staying horse and we think he can bounce back into form, he’s another one with a really good chance.”