David Jolly expects to know what’s in store for Qadir next year when the lightly raced galloper runs at Flemington on Saturday.

The winner of four of his nine starts in Adelaide, Qadir makes the trip over from South Australia to contest The Western Health Foundation Handicap.

And punters have stepped in, backing Damien Oliver’s mount from $6 into $4 in early betting.

Jolly said Saturday’s race, but more importantly the feedback from Oliver, would tell the trainer just where the gelding sits.

In the back of Jolly’s mind is the Adelaide carnival in April and May.

“He’s progressive, he’s on the way up and there’s a few things there that might fall his way,” Jolly said.

“He’s got a nice weight, a good jockey, a nice barrier and a big straight as he’s a get back and run on sort of horse.”

Jolly said Qadir had taken time to mature and strengthen but always believed the gelding would get 1600m and further.

After a couple of trials, Qadir was successful on debut at the back end of his three-year-old season before a spell.

He returned to win his first two starts as a four-year-old before three more starts and another break.

Jolly said his latest spell allowed him to strengthen and finally enable him to be trained for a shot at 1600m.

“He was immature and had a few little niggles that made us give him a little bit more time, but he’s come solid now,” Jolly said.

“We gave him a good break last time and he strengthened up and he’s done everything you would expect of a horse training up in trip.”

Successful at his latest outing over 1600m at Morphettville on November 29, Jolly said the gelding’s form had been good leading up to that victory chasing home a couple of in-form Lloyd Kennewell gallopers including Baligari, who performed well in Melbourne during the carnival.

“It looks a nice time for him to go over,” Jolly said.

“He’s not a spring carnival horse but it’s a good time to test the water and see how it turns out.”

Article from justhorseracing.com.au