Trainer John Thompson believes a return to firmer footing will be the critical factor in unleashing the full potential of Embrace The Wind, a progressive three-year-old, as it prepares to race at Rosehill on Saturday.

The gelding has drawn the outermost barrier for the Ranvet Handicap (1200m), however, Thompson is not concerned, taking into account the gelding’s usual racing tactics.

“He gets back, so the draw probably doesn’t matter as much for him,” Thompson stated. “I’d just love to see him back on top of the ground. He’s been running well on the heavy tracks, but when he gets back on top of the ground, I think you will see a better turn of foot.”

The lightly-raced sprinter has come back in good shape this preparation. He resumed with an eye-catching run behind Lighthouse Lass at Rosehill in June, launching from last on the turn to finish just over two lengths from the winner, and then followed that with a determined third behind Rolling Magic on heavy ground at the same track.

Thompson anticipates that the gelding will continue to progress as he builds fitness and gains experience.

“He’s progressive, and he’ll go through his grades. I think he’s got a bright future,” he commented. “He’s a sprinter. He will definitely push on (after Saturday), but where we head will depend on how he goes.”

Thompson is also looking forward to the spring return of talented filly Screen Icon, who is scheduled to begin a carnival campaign after another trial at Rosehill next Friday.

The two-year-old stakes performer is being targeted for the Silver Shadow Stakes (1100m), the opening event of Sydney’s four-leg Princess Series.

“She trialled well here the other day and beat the older horses,” Thompson said. “She trials again on Friday week at Rosehill, and she will run first-up in the Silver Shadow.”

Screen Icon experienced a promising juvenile season, finishing as runner-up in the Sweet Embrace Stakes. Her campaign was marked by some misfortune, including a narrow defeat in the Gimcrack Stakes and a luckless seventh in the Inglis Millennium.

She narrowly missed a start in the Golden Slipper and concluded her season with a competitive effort in the Percy Sykes Stakes, finishing less than three lengths off the winner despite reaching the end of her campaign.

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