Back-to-back midweek victories have earned Swift Legend a rise in grade, although jockey Jason Collett warns that the lightly raced colt still has plenty to learn.
Collett has guided the Dundeel three-year-old to recent wins at Warwick Farm and Canterbury and believes the talent is there for a forward showing in Sunday’s Vinnie @ Yarraman Park Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill.
However, he stresses that Swift Legend remains raw and will need to handle the challenge of jumping from barrier 10.
“He just needs to do things professionally. He is still that bit raw so that could be his undoing,” Collett said.
“He stepped up in trip last time and he was tough and strong . . . but when he got to the front, he was having a good look around. He’s still got more to come in that sense, and he does have an engine too.
“The barrier is tricky, but he is heading in the right direction.”
Collett, runner-up to James McDonald in last season’s Sydney jockeys’ premiership, has already ridden 22 winners this term and has seven mounts across the 10-race Rosehill program.
Despite a strong spring that included winning The Invitation aboard Doncaster Mile star Stefi Magnetica, he admits his 15 stakes placings have been frustrating.
“I’ve had a few misses in some of the big races, which has been a bit frustrating, but I’ve picked up a few Group Twos and Listed races in the last month or so, which has been good,” Collett said.
“You always want it to go better. Expectation is a big killer, but we’re still going great and I’m very happy with how the season is going so far.”
One of his more intriguing rides on Sunday is Elliptical, now trained by Chris Waller, who contests the TAB Handicap (1400m).
Originally prepared by Anthony and Sam Freedman, Elliptical finished second in both the 2022 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) and Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) before a stint in Hong Kong where his form tapered.
He resumed after 18 months on The Hunter undercard at Newcastle, finishing three lengths off them in a race dominated by on-speed runners. Early markets have seen him firm from $21 to $17.
Punters can compare odds for all Rosehill races via Australia’s leading betting sites.
