When Irish import Earlswood arrived in Australia, he carried high hopes of becoming a force in local weight-for-age contests.

He made an immediate impression by claiming the Group 3 Carlyon Cup (1600m) at Caulfield in early 2022, giving a glimpse of the talent he brought with him.

Since then, however, wins have been rare. After switching to the Gavin Bedggood stable, Earlswood picked up his only other Australian victory in the Gold Nugget at Ballarat last September.

Now he lines up in Saturday’s MRC Membership Feel The Thrill Handicap (2000m) at Caulfield, seeking a third Australian triumph. He comes off a strong second to Saban over 1800m at Sandown, following a solid fourth when resuming.

“He’s flying and he would be the healthiest horse in my stable,” Bedggood told RSN. “He’s got a coat on him like it’s the middle of summer.”

Bedggood added that Earlswood needs a specific type of ride to show his best. “People will say he got held up and things like that last start, but you almost have to ride the horse like that,” he said.

“When he gets clean air too far out, he presents to win the race and is just plain late. I think he is better when he gets that run on the back of the speed and gets out late and darts through the line.”

John Allen reunites with the gelding, having been aboard for one of his past wins. Earlswood is currently a $5 second elect behind $3.90 favourite Sayedaty Sadaty.

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