Will Larkin believes Saturday presents the ideal opportunity to stretch in-form gelding Harry’s Yacht to a mile when he lines up in the Vobis Gold Reef at Flemington.
The four-year-old has enjoyed a productive preparation, recording two benchmark wins alongside a pair of minor placings in Vobis races over 1200 metres.
Larkin, who trains in partnership with Leon & Troy Corstens, said the conditions of Saturday’s race were appealing, particularly with Harry’s Yacht set to carry the equal minimum weight of 54kg.
“It’s a distance we’ve always thought that he’d get to eventually,” Larkin said.
“He still just does a little bit wrong in the early stage of his races, but I think if he can find a bum to follow, he’ll really be relishing to the line.”
A last-start victory over 1400 metres at Geelong gave the stable confidence to step him up in trip again after several runs over sprint distances.
“I think just stepping up to 1400 (metres) was a big plus for him,” Larkin said.
“We probably ran one or two too many at the 1200 when you look back on it now.
“But he’s really good, he’s come on again.”
The inclusion of 106-rater Jimmy The Bear, who will carry 61kg, has pushed the remainder of the field down to the minimum weight, including Harry’s Yacht, who holds the next-highest rating of 85.
“I think with Jimmy The Bear being in the race and getting in with 54 kilos is a bit of a steal,” Larkin said.
“It’s good prize money for these Vobis Gold races as well.
“It’s a box that he’s still going to tick, the mile, but I’m pretty confident that he will.”
Markets are available through leading Australian betting sites for the Vobis Gold Reef at Flemington.
Harry’s Yacht is the $3.10 favourite for the $175,000 contest with Luke Currie booked to ride.
The post Mile test for Harry’s Yacht first appeared on Just Horse Racing.