Trainer Lindsey Smith is hoping that his in-form galloper Riding The Wave (Malibu Moon) can round out his summer campaign with a win in the Listed Chester Manifold Stakes (1400m).
Smith believes Riding The Wave will be suited by the step-up to 1400m at Flemington.
The former Kiwi has had four starts for Smith for an Australian debut fourth for him at Bendigo which was followed by a victory at Ballarat.
Riding The Wave has then had two starts at Flemington over 1200m for a second and then a narrow win at Flemington last start in a Benchmark 78 over 1200m.
Riding The Wave will return to Flemington on Saturday and will be ridden by Ethan Brown. He carried 58.5 kg at his last start win and will carry 54 kg on Saturday.
“I think he’s ready for 1400 metres now. Hopefully that race last Friday has taken the edge off him and he’ll relax a little bit better to get the trip,” Smith said.
Smith pointed out that Riding The Wave had won over 1400m in New Zealand but in weaker grade.
“He pulled up in good shape and he’ll take his place. I think he’s an open class horse so we’ll find out more,” he said.
Smith will give Riding The Wave a break and then bring him back for the Winter Championship series.
