Jockey Hugh Bowman has given Lost And Running a big tick after riding the sprinter into second place in a barrier trial at Randwick.
The hit-out over 850m on Friday was Lost And Running’s first serious hit-out of the campaign that is aimed at The Everest (1200m) at Randwick on October 15.
Lost And Running was last month named as the representative of TAB’s slot in the $15 million showpiece after running fourth for The Everest’s major sponsor last year.
Friday’s trial was the first time Bowman had been aboard Lost And Running since the sprinter finished 14th behind Roch ‘N’ Horse in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington in March.
Settled nicely behind the speed, Lost And Running was beaten into second place behind Rachel King-ridden Malkovich, beaten 4-¾ lengths, in a time of 49.62 secs.
Bowman said Lost And Running’s performance was what he expected from the sprinter with the spring targets that he is heading towards.
“It’s nice to have him back,” Bowman told Sky Thoroughbred Central.
“It’s the first time I’ve sat on him since the race that didn’t go to plan at Flemington.
“It’s nice to be back on him, it’s nice to see him. He looks well and he’s enthusiastic.
“He had a good blow, naturally, but it’s a good start for the prep.”
Bowman said he could feel Lost And Running had matured from the autumn where before he had been a bit loose and gangly.
“The thing with him is getting him to settle as he’s a horse that does carry a fair bit of nervous energy,” Bowman said.
“Rachel set a nice pace on the Bjorn Baker horse, and it gave him something to settle in behind.
“I didn’t ask him to do much, I just let him do what he felt like doing, but he did it pretty comfortably.”