Jockey Chris Symons is excited at the prospect of riding the Marco Botti-trained Renew in the Group Two Herbert Power Stakes.
The Dansili five-year-old makes his Australian debut in the 2400-metre race at Caulfield on Saturday and needs to win to earn a start in the Caulfield Cup.
Symons has made a couple of trips to the Werribee quarantine centre over the past week to acquaint himself with Renew.
The gelding can be a bit of a moody customer, but Symons said the five-year-old had been on his best behaviour both times he has been on board.
Connections bribe the gelding with lollies to be on his best behaviour, but once out on the track Symons has not had any problems.
Symons said drawing the outside barrier of 14 was a plus as Renew can be tardy at the barriers.
“He’s drawn awkward on Saturday but watching his replays in Ireland he’s a roll forward horse,” Symons said.
“He doesn’t necessarily need to lead, but it would be nice to be in the first four rather than the last four.
“He can be tardy to begin, so that will give him the opportunity to find his feet and then roll forward and take up a position.
“On his work it’s exciting to be on his back. I had plenty of horse underneath me in his work.
“He feels well and I’d be quietly confident going into a Herbert Power on his back.”