Tom Sadler would like to see ‘Goldilocks ground’ for two of his runners in a couple of the major support races on the Ballarat Cup card.
Sadler, the assistant-trainer to his father John as he awaits the paperwork to be rubber stamped to join him in a training partnership, is keeping a watch on the skies ahead of Saturday’s meeting.
They have Starry Legend down to contest the $150,000 Magic Millions 3YO & 4YO Classic (1100m) while Sam’s Image runs in the $150,000 Tonks Plate (1200m).
“What we want is that Goldilocks ground, not too hard, not too soft,” Sadler said.
After a dominant start to his racing career in which Starry Legend won his first two starts as a two-year-old, the colt’s three-year-old season has been a bit hit and miss.
After a first-up win at Mornington, Starry Legend was run down by Dexelation at The Valley on Cox Plate Day before running seventh down the straight at Flemington on November 4.
Sadler surmised Starry Legend was not suited that day, his first appearance on the straight course.
“I think you would have to put it down to that because the horse could not have been going any better into the run and he’s come out of it very well,” Sadler said.
“His run at The Valley was super and if he took that run to Ballarat you would think he would be really competitive.
“He’s still maturing so I don’t think the 1100 metres would be a worry, but if it was any worse than a (soft) six, we would have to consider what we are doing.”
Sam’s Image was comfortably held at his first run back from a spell when near the tail at Flemington on November 6.
But Sadler explained the track ended up being too firm for the sprinter.
“He hasn’t got the greatest feet and it was on the firmer side that day,” Sadler said.
“We were hoping for the rain, and it hit everywhere in Victoria except Flemington, but he’s come through it well.”