Drawing the widest alley in a 16-horse field is rarely cause for celebration, but the connections of Awesome Wonder are prepared to overlook that disadvantage at Gosford this Saturday, keeping a longer-term goal in mind.
Trainer Tom Charlton, who co-trains alongside John O’Shea, confirmed the mare is set to run in the Tooheys Benchmark 78 Handicap (2100m) despite the outside draw and a less-than-ideal lead-up.
“We held her back a week from Hawkesbury looking for a better track,” Charlton said.
“There is nothing at Scone for her next week so our hands might be a bit forced.
“There are a couple of nice mile-and-a-half races that followed this so it’s whether she runs and prepares for them.”
Awesome Wonder showed her class last winter when placing fifth in the Listed Tattersall’s Gold Crown at Eagle Farm and is well bred, being by Galileo out of Group 1 winner Nechita.
Originally retired to the breeding barn, her return to racing came after failing to get in foal, and she’s now back in work with encouraging signs.
“She missed getting in foal this season so she is back and racing well and working well,” Charlton said.
“It’s not out of the realms of possibility she could pick up a nice race this campaign.”
She made her return with a solid closing effort at Warwick Farm over a mile and should appreciate stepping up in distance this weekend.
Joining her on the Gosford card is Hurstville Zagreb, a progressive type with eyes on the Queensland Derby, who lines up in the Polvin Fencing Systems Handicap (1600m).
Punters looking to back Awesome Wonder or Hurstville Zagreb can browse the latest odds and offers from leading bookmakers on our betting sites list.