Vaughn Sigley will instruct jockey Takahide Ikenushi to go forward and lead on Dawn Approach in the $120,000 Listed ‘Chaff City’ Pinjarra Classic (1300m) on Sunday.
Similar tactics proved successful when Dawn Approach posted a hat trick including features in the Mungrup Stud Sprint (1300m) and Miss Andretti Stakes (1200m).
Ikenushi will be desperate to reclaim front running duties after Dawn Approach was beaten for early speed in last fortnight’s Cyril Flower Stakes (1200m).
The Statue Of Liberty entire was caught wide from his outside gate and forced to work overtime to sit outside of pacesetter, Madam Sass.
He pounced on the lead early in the straight but the torrid run took its toll and left him vulnerable to the swoopers from behind.
He fought on to finish just out of the placings and 3 ½ lengths adrift of stable mate Black Heart Bart who sprinted brilliantly.
“I thought the run was pretty good after he was taken on a bit here and there,” said Sigley.
“He was still good enough to box on and finish fifth.
“I expect him to run another nice race.
“I don’t think there will be too much pace like the Cyril Flower.
“My horse will leading that’s for sure.”
Dawn Approach has been up since October but Sigley is confident he can extend the four-year-olds campaign.
Highlighting an ultra-consistent period he has won four races and been placed twice from his nine starts.
“I was looking at tipping him out but I thought we would throw him in this one see how we go,” said Sigley.
“If he wins it why wouldn’t you look at the 1400m of the Bunbury Stakes in a couple of weeks?
“He is doing well, doesn’t leave an oat and seems quite happy.”
Dawn Approach and Black Heart Bart give Sigley a powerful twin assault on Pinjarra’s premier sprint.
Black Heart Bart enjoys the confidence of punters after wins in the Carbine Club Of WA Stakes (1400m), Summer Scorcher (1000m) and Cyril Flower Stakes (1200m).
He holds deserving $2.50 favouritism with the TAB, but for the remainder of his ten rivals the chink in his armour could be the impost of career-high weight
“He has earned his weight and I think he is a nice enough horse who can carry the 59kg,” said Sigley.”
Simon Miller is under no illusion Black Heart Bart will hard to toss but is banking on a weight pull and a favourable barrier draw to assist Comfysofa.
The six-year-old, who will start from pole position for Jason Whiting and carries the 54kg minimum, embarks on his comeback after a winless winter campaign.
Miller says Comfysofa, who trialled well when a long-neck second to Castle Retreat, was sure to make his presence felt.
“I can see no reason why he can’t figure in the finish,” said Miller.
“Drawing an alley helps and from that gate he will get every opportunity.
“He didn’t have much go right last time in with a niggly foot issue.
“His trial was very good and I think he will look dangerous.”
RWWA: Julio Santarelli