By Ray Hickson
For different reasons, a bit of expectation has followed lightly raced gallopers Wembanyama and Getafix through their short careers.
Both gallopers have had five starts for one win and co-trainer Tom Charlton says time is more than on their side to realise their potential.
Trainer John O’Shea will have plenty to work with if Wembanyama wins at Rosehill on Wednesday.Credit: Getty
While Getafix won on debut and has taken on some of the best three-year-olds since then, Wembanyama has progressed slowly since his maiden win back in February.
The duo are engaged in the James Squire Handicap (1400m) at Rosehill on Wednesday and Charlton, who co-trains with John O’Shea, said if Wembanyama wins it will be a bonus and will give the stable plenty to work with.
“He’s always been quite an immature horse, but he’s now starting to find his feet,” Charlton said.
“He looks well, I just think he’ll need a run because he’s a bit big in condition.
“His trials have been really nice and his work has been good, so from a nice barrier we’d expect a good run, but with improvement to come.”
Wembanyama, $7.50 with TAB on Tuesday, has drawn ideally in barrier two at Rosehill while his year younger stablemate Getafix ($10) has drawn 10.
Charlton said consideration would be given to whether Getafix takes his place, but regardless is confident the three-year-old can live up to his potential.
In three runs this preparation, the grey has finished fourth behind subsequent Golden Rose placegetter Mayfair, star filly Autumn Glow and last start ran on into that position behind Rock Empire at Warwick Farm.
“He’s been overdoing it a little bit, we’re keen to continue to ride him conservatively and hopefully he’ll be most effective when he gets to a mile,” he said.
“He’s still not racing as well as he could, he’s got more ability than he’s shown on the track so far. He’s a talented horse, it’s just taking a bit of time to come together.
“The rail’s out quite a significant margin, so we’ll see how the race plays out.”
Meanwhile, Charlton said Snow In May is in good order for her return clash with Autumn Glow in Saturday’s Group 1 Darley Flight Stakes (1600m) at Randwick.
The stable will also be represented by Athabascan in the Group 1 Metropolitan (2400m) while Cafe Millenium takes his place in a Benchmark 94 over 1600m.
Supplied by Racing NSW
Full form and race replays available at racingnsw.com.au
