The frustration was evident for Colin Scott after his stable star Speediness again came up with a wide barrier for the Group One Sir Rupert Clarke at Caulfield.
But he believes the gelding can still make his presence felt in Sunday’s 1400m feature at Caulfield as long as he gets the right luck during the race.
The seven-year-old has been close to Group One success in recent seasons but is yet to crack it for an elite-level win and Scott was disappointed on Wednesday when he pulled out barrier 12 of 14 for Speediness in the $400,000 handicap.
Speediness was a luckless runner in the race last year when he flashed home for fourth behind Rebel Dane, beaten half a length after being blocked for a run at the top of the straight.
“Of all the races, that’s probably the one that got away,” Scott said.
Scott noted Speediness had drawn gate 13 last year and then 16 of 17 in the Toorak Handicap at his next start.
He is still convinced Speediness is a major player in the race where he will carry 55.5kg with Craig Williams aboard.
Scott said the presence of triple Group One winner Dissident, who has topweight of 58kg, meant Speediness got into the race well at the weights.
He drops from the 59.5kg he carried first-up when he ran home strongly from last for fourth in the Bobbie Lewis Quality, a run Scott rated superior to his winning effort in the event 12 months earlier.
“I’m still sure the horse will run a super race,” Scott said.
“If he gets any luck, he’ll be there. He’s always there. He’s as honest as the day is long.”
Peter Moody decided on the Rupert Clarke as the best option for Memsie Stakes and Makybe Diva Stakes winner Dissident on his way to the Caulfield Stakes (2000m) two weeks later and then the Cox Plate (2040m).
Dissident was installed favourite on Wednesday in an open market.
While the 1400m Group One handicap is an important race for stallion prospect Dissident, Moody is mindful the horse is being trained with longer races his target in coming weeks.
Dissident, who has drawn gate five, will carry 6kg more than 10 of his 13 rivals.
“It’s going to be a herculean task for him to win on Sunday but he’s in the vein of form that you’d like to think that he can run very well,” Moody said.