Statistics indicate that the timing is right for Shadow Crush to give connections a belated Christmas present when he runs at Randwick on Boxing Day.
Trainer Mark Newnham confirmed the gelding would back up from his fifth to Tycoonist in a benchmark 88 race at the same venue last weekend and take his place in Sunday’s Hyland Race Colours Handicap (1200m).
It will be his third run this campaign and that has proven to be a winning formula for Shadow Crush, who is unbeaten third-up.
“He is a third-up winner at his last two preps and he has needed those two runs,” Newnham said.
“He was just wide with no cover last Saturday, but he came through the race really well and it is a suitable race for him on the weekend.
“He comes back to a benchmark 78, so he is back in grade.
“He is going quite well and he always takes a bit of racing to get to his best.”
Stable apprentice Tom Sherry will partner the five-year-old, who has drawn barrier seven in the field of 13.
It will be the first time he has raced on a quick turnaround but Newnham says the horse is showing all the right signs that he is gearing up for a peak performance.
“(Backing up) is something new but you can pretty much tell by the feed bin, and he ate up Saturday night after that run,” he said.
“That tells you they are pretty well ready.”
Shadow Crush was $11 with TAB fixed odds on Thursday, with Godolphin’s Tamerlane heading betting at $3.80.