Edward Creighton believes Anywhere Express deserves her opportunity to represent Kalgoorlie in the Sky Racing TV Provincial Champion Series Final (1400m) at Belmont on Saturday.
Creighton, fresh from being crowned Albany’s Leading Rider last week, is well credentialed to give his assessment after piloting the mare to two wins and a third from her three starts this campaign.
“She has done everything right so why wouldn’t you give her the opportunity,” said Creighton.
“Her win in the heat was really strong and warranted her coming to Perth and having a crack.
“She has only been beaten once this time in and even then I don’t think she was suited on a dead-rated track.
If I can take advantage of a good barrier and be in the first six or seven I think she is in with a really good chance.”
Anywhere Express, one of two goldfields representatives, jumps from barrier seven and Totally Wild the inside gate.
Creighton has healthy respect for consistent Albany galloper Tee Pee Cat who finished a half-head second to stable mate Storm Sense at Albany last month.
Storm Sense franked the form when she stretched her winning sequence to four with a stylish win over 1400m at Belmont on Wednesday.
“I worked Tee Pee Cat last week and I think he is going to be hard to beat and is in with a really good chance,” said Creighton.
The popular jockey will look to make it a Kalgoorlie double when he partners Prince Of Stars in the Del Basso Smallgoods Handicap (1200m).
The Balmont gelding, prepared by inform trainer Pat Bermingham Jnr, won two races on his home track before tackling city grade at Belmont on May 3.
He ran 2 ¼ lengths fourth to Fuchsia Bandana and although beaten he was by no means disgraced against a smart and developing filly.
Prince of Stars has drawn the widest gate in the field of 16.
“The barrier is going to be the major issue,” said Creighton.
“But she has the speed to work across.
“I’m planning on sitting off them and hopefully she can run along.
“I‘ve watched her races in Kalgoorlie and she has looked smart.
“I’m hoping I can repay Pat who has placed his faith in me.”