Dean Nazzari is honest in his assessment of Totally Wild and says he can’t offer an explanation for the gelding’s disappointing performance on Anzac Day.
The former New South Wales galloper started favourite after an eye-catching first-up run when he stormed home for a fast-finishing fourth to Don’t Tempt Me.
The son of Flying Spur was a conspicuous last when leaving the gates and stood his rivals a huge start on straightening but ran the final 600m in 33.82sec.
The rising five-year-old, who has one win from his six appearances, failed to flatter second time around after finishing ahead of just one rival.
“I have to admit I was left scratching my head with that performance and I’m battling to pinpoint a reason,” said Nazzari.
“I can only put it down to inexperience and maybe he is having problems adapting to our way of going.
“He is not taking the bends as well as I would like and the track was also on the slippery side the other day.
“I think he started way too short but I guess he has ability based on his first-up run which did amaze me.
“He hasn’t done much work at home and didn’t do too much in his run so the quick back-up is of no concern.
“Whether it’s this preparation or the next I’m confident he’ll make a good horse but this race will give me a guide.”
Totally Wild, who has carried 58kg in each of his two runs, drops to 54.5kg in the Skyracing TV Provincial Championship Series Heat (1400m).
Nazzari believes stable mate Delray Beach, another acquisition in the off season, has been the victim of bad luck since crossing the Nullarbor.
He is optimistic the Exceed and Excel gelding, runner-up in each of his two starts, can break the duck in the City Supplies Handicap (1200m).
“I can’t fault him and he should have first-up but didn’t handle the bend,” said Nazzari.
“He then had to go forward from a wide barrier and was given no peace.
“I think on the strength of his first couple of performances he will figure somewhere in the finish.”
Nazzari also has Chip ‘N’ Chase and Inform entered but believes the former is on his last chance and although the latter will be favoured by the journey he may need the run.