Right race, right time, right conditions.
Jockey Jarrad Noske hopes to make the most of his plum pick up ride aboard Casino Seventeen in Saturday’s Group 2 Ted Van Heemst Stakes (2100m) at Ascot.
Still basking in the glory of his Group 1 win in the Northerly Stakes (1800m), Noske believes the Grant and Alana Williams-trained six-year-old is the horse to beat.
Noske will take the reins in place of champion hoop, William Pike, after he was handed a 22-day suspension for causing interference in the Winterbottom Stakes (1200m).
Pike rode Casino Seventeen first up this campaign when third in the Northam Cup, fourth in the Luckygray Stakes (1800m) and second in the Scahill Cup (2100m).
Shuan McGruddy partnered Casino Seventeen last-start in the Northerly Stakes when the son of Casino Prince finished a competitive 10th behind Dom To Shoot.
“It looks the right race for him and his runs have been great,” Noske said on Tabradio.
“A small field should suit him and there looks to be good pace and speed with Marocchino in the race.
“He won’t be too far off them and hopefully he gets the run he needs because he’s definitely good enough to win it.
“He’s got grand final trainers and he’s getting close to his grand final.”
Proven at the trip, Casino Seventeen scored the Pinjarra Cup (2300m) South-West Autumn Cup (2100m) double in March this year.
In a field of six in the Ted Van Heemst, Casino Seventeen jumps from barrier four and if successful he can extend the amazing race record of the Williams’ stable.
The husband and wife team hold wins with Regal Power (2022-2020), Truly Great (2021), Galaxy Star (2019), Perfect Reflection (2017), Delicacy (2016) and Elite Belle (2015).
Casino Seventeen, currently the $3.70 Perth Cup favourite with online betting apps, is $4 in the Ted Van Heemst.
Interstate raiders, Zoumon and Numerian head the market at $3.30 and $3.80 respectively.
Last year’s Ted Van Heemst winner, Marocchino is $4.40, The Velvet Queen $8.50 and Startrade the $26 outsider.
Noske also rates his chances to win the TBWA Westspeed Platinum Plate (1000m) very highly when he partners promising two-year-old Street Band.
The Trevor Andrews-trained juvenile has race experience on his side and last start ran a solid third behind stable mate Define Beautiful and Sinful Living.
“He’s really progressive and I really like him,” Noske said.
“He’s stepped up to the plate all prep and the improvement has been massive.
“I rode him this morning (Friday) and he feels very well.
“We took him back to trials to give him a sharpen up with the shades.
“It was the sharpen up he needed and he’s been switched on since.
“It looks a vey good race for him.”
Street Band has drawn barrier four.
The Lucky Street colt is $4.40 with Bet365.
Sinful Living is $3 and West Star $3.50.
