Co-trainer Todd Harvey believes Tradesman can bounce back and be one of the big improvers in Saturday’s Listed WAROA-Belmont Guineas (1600m).
Harvey, who prepares Tradesman in partnership with his father, Rob, was given a boost when the son of Trade Fair drew barrier eight for the $100,000 feature.
Harvey says combined with a favourable gate and step back to the mile, Tradesman is in a positive position to atone from his luckless last-start defeat.
The three-year-old was caught wide throughout in a 1400m Belmont encounter two weeks ago, but stuck to his guns well when sixth to North Ridge.
Tradesman was on the hunt for twin victories, after booting clear to dispose of Belvedere Boy by 1 ½ lengths when racing over 1650m at Belmont last month.
“I’m pleased with the draw and he should come in a little with the scratchings of the emergencies,” said Harvey on TABradio.
“I thought his last run was good when he kept making ground to the line pretty good after a tough run when wide all the way.
“It probably wasn’t ideal going back to 1400m after winning at 1650m, so stepping back to the mile will be more to his liking.
“He should getter a better run from where he is drawn.”
Harvey says there is further improvement left in Tradesman who has two wins from four starts in his maiden campaign.
“There is plenty of scope with him in at his first preparation,” said Harvey.
“I’m very pleased on what he has done to date.
“I think going forward he is going to get to a high level as a racehorse.”
Tradesman will be ridden by Troy Turner, who is in search of his second Belmont Guineas after steering home Joey Jo Jo in 2007.
Veteran horseman Colin Webster is certain he has Settler’s Creek spot on for the Belmont Guineas, a race he won with Queen Inca in 1980.
Settler’s Creek is gradually working his way back to race fitness and will strip fitter after two unplaced runs behind North Ridge.
The Discorsi colt rounded out his preparations with a half-second to Alyeska in a 950m Lark Hill trial on Monday.
“It was a good trial and I was happy with that,” said Webster.
“He needed it because he still pulled up with a bit of a blow.
“That will bring him up quite well.”
Settlers Creek drew barrier 16 for, Jerry Noske.
RWWA: Julio Santarelli