Jockey Ryan Hill believes Senso can maximise the absence of boom juvenile Lucky Street when he goes in search of feature race glory in the Group 3 Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Ascot on Saturday.
The Paul Jordan-trained Senso has run into Lucky Street on three occasions and like the remainder of his two year-old rivals this season he has found the outstanding Oratorio colt too strong a force to overcome.
Senso was competitive but no match for Lucky Street when ninth in the Magic Millions Perth 2YO Classic (1100m), runner-up in the Perth Stakes (1100m) and fifth in the Karrakatta Plate (1200m).
Hill, who has been on top of Senso in all five of his career starts including an all-the-way maiden victory in January, says the Street Sense colt is in with legitimate and deserving claims.
“I couldn’t be happier with Senso and all of his runs have been terrific,” said Hill on Tabradio.
“I’m really looking forward to it and without Lucky Street it gives everyone a chance.
“We’ve been unlucky to have bumped into him but hopefully we get one while he’s in the paddock.”
Senso, who raced on the flanks of Lucky Street in the Perth Stakes and Karrakatta Plate, should be suited by a good draw in barrier six.
“He was stopping the other day (Karrakatta Plate) but that’s because he was on the outside of a very good horse,” said Hill.
“The horses behind all had soft runs and were able to finish off the race strongly.
“This race will be run completely different and at a different tempo.
“We don’t have to lead but if no one takes us on we will be there.”
Senso is rated a $10 chance with Pushin’ Shapes, who was a late scratching in the Karrakatta Plate due to a minor injury, the $3 favourite.
The Viscount gelding was an impressive winner on debut in February and ran a luckless third to Lucky Street in the Perth Stakes after racing wide throughout.
Trainer Dan Pearce was devastated to miss the Karrakatta Plate but appears to have him back on track after he won a Pinjarra trial (1000m) by nine lengths.
“I don’t know much about the horses behind him but he did it easy and got the hit out he needed,” said jockey Jarrad Noske.
“My only concern is missing a run and going from 1100m to 1400m. It would have been nice to gradually go from 1200m to 1400m.
“But comes in with a good gate and if he can be behind the leaders and use his nice turn-of-foot at the top of the straight he will be very hard to beat.”
RWWA: Julio Santarelli