Jockey Ryan Hill will out to maintain his good form after picking up a good book of mounts at Belmont Park’s midweek programme.
Hill, fresh from a Kalgoorlie double on Sunday, is upbeat about the winning prospects of Jim Taylor stable mates Baraki Beats and Slik Act.
Baraki Beats, one of the 14 combatants in the Westspeed Nominations Closing July 17 Handicap (1000m), is keen to emerge from the shadows of his famed half-brother Barakey.
The So Secret gelding hasn’t commenced his career in the same blistering fashion as his older sibling but he is showing signs that a win is just around the corner.
Since stepping out for his maiden appearance last August, Baraki Beats has raced on five occasions across two campaigns for three minor placings.
He returns for another crack after a six month spell and looks perfectly poised to breakthrough following a confidence-building trial win.
“I think he goes pretty good this horse,” said Hill on TABradio.
“The 1000m might be a little short but I think he is a very nice horse.”
Hill partners Barraki Beats from barrier eight with a filly he knows very well, Fire Born, drawn on his inside in gate one.
Hill has been aboard Fire Born for nine of his ten starts including a fifth to Bourne Supremacy when racing first up two weeks ago.
“It was a pretty good run after she got caught three wide the trip with 58kg,” said trainer, Paul Jordan.
“She just looked a bit flat-footed when they turned for home but they ran quick time and went quicker than I thought.
“But tomorrow (Wednesday) from barrier one and with the claim she should be somewhere around for sure.”
With the claim of gun apprentice, Joe Azzopardi, Fire Born, who has two placings from three starts when second up, carries 56.5kg.
Hill combines with Taylor’s newest acquisition, Slik Act, in the Westspeed 2YO Plate (1000m) and likes what he sees after the gelding’s trial win.
The son of Flying Pegasus, drawn in barrier one, is looking to atone after finishing second last to Diamond Tonique when on debut in December.
“I like the chances of Jimmy’s horses and I think Barraki Beats and Slik Act have claims,” said Hill.
RWWA: Julio Santarelli