A poor performance from Eyes Don’t Lie in last month’s Roebourne Cup (2200m) hasn’t dented the confidence of trainer Peter Dellar.
The Tiger Hill gelding was one of the major fancies but struggled to have any impact when ninth of 12 and 11 lengths from Rock Prince.
The five-year-old was highly rated by punters and sent out the favourite after blistering wins at his three previous runs at Roebourne.
“The race wasn’t run to suit and I have put a line through it,” said Dellar.
“He was caught deep and had to do too much work.
“He has pulled up fine and you wouldn’t even know he went around”
Dellar is confident Eyes Don’t Lie can atone and show punters his true colours when he takes on a field of 12 in the Gallipoli Cup (1700m) at Carnarvon on Saturday.
“If he can handle the track he will be winning,” said Dellar.
“That’s my only concern because Carnarvon can be a difficult if they haven’t raced on it before.
“Apart from Roebourne he has brained them this campaign.
“He looks in great order and is flying.”
Eyes Don’t Lie is favourably drawn in gate one and is reunited with apprentice Fiona Bell who was aboard his Roebourne victories.
With Bell’s claim, the 2013-14 Country Racing Association Jockey of the Season, Eyes Don’t Lie drops 3kg to 53kg.
Despite his failure in the Roebourne Cup and never winning beyond 1400m, Dellar won’t rule out Eyes Don’t Lie tackling staying races.
The winner of Saturday’s Gallipoli Cup gains direct entry into the $50,000 Carnarvon Cup (2000m) on September 13.
“It all depends on how he handles the surface,” said Dellar.
“I’m not concerned by the distance query.
“If he goes ok on Saturday he will progress to the Carnarvon Cup.”