The long wait is nearly over for connections of one of the spring’s most exciting horses with Surprise Baby (NZ) (Shocking) ready to end a 10-month absence from the racetrack at The Valley on Saturday.
Trainer Paul Preusker said on Sunday that he was ready to unleash the galloper in the group 2 Feehan Stakes where victory would earn Surprise Baby a ballot-free shot at his first spring goal – the $5 million Cox Plate.
Surprise Baby won’t be there to be making up the numbers with Preusker keen for him to strike early in what will be just his 12th race start.
‘’We are not tippy toeing on egg-shells,’’ he said. ‘’We know what he can do and where he’s got to be and we’ve got him there.
‘’I’ve been pretty mindful that last prep was his first prep so we’ve been happy to take our time, but yeah it has been a long wait.
‘’Let’s hope I’ve got it right.’’
While Preusker believes Surprise Baby can compete with some of the best weight-for-age horses in the land at The Valley, it is Flemington and the Melbourne Cup where the horse might ultimately be best suited.
‘’He’s got a real staying brain this time,’’ Preusker said. ‘’Second prep you are dealing with a different horse again so I am looking forward to getting Saturday behind him.’’
Surprise Baby is currently the joint favorite for the Melbourne Cup at $10 with Sportsbet along with SA Derby winner Russian Camelot.
Preusker said last year’s Melbourne Cup fifth place-getter had enjoyed a trouble-free build up to the spring.
‘’He’s a good sound horse and everyone keeps a good eye on him,’’ he said. ‘’The vets have got nothing to do so it’s great news.’’
Craig Williams takes his first ride on Surprise Baby on Saturday after taking the reins from Jordan Childs.
