By Ray Hickson
Jockey Regan Bayliss is riding high at the moment with a Group 2 double last weekend, and he’s hoping that confidence rubs off on emerging galloper Omni Man at Rosehill on Wednesday.
The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained four-year-old has won three of his six starts and arrives at the Big Sports Breakfast Sprint (1200m) on the back of an impressive first-up victory at Kembla Grange.
Regan Bayliss on Surf Dancer wins at Randwick last Saturday.Credit:Getty
While he was expected to perform there fresh, Bayliss said there was so much merit in his win under 61.5kg he’s quietly confident the entire can measure up.
“It was a tough win first-up, he obviously carried a big weight and he fended off his rivals well,” he said.
“He’s only going to take improvement going to his second run. Rosehill suits him I think and he’s drawn a good barrier.
“He’ll be ready to peak, he handles all track conditions. He’s just a bombproof horse who tries very hard and he’ll look the winner at some stage.”
As Bayliss alluded, he sees Omni Man making use of his inside barrier and while he’s yet to win at 1200m he can be forgiven for the two attempts over that distance back in the autumn.
One was against Mazu and company in the Listed Darby Munro on a heavy track while the other was at Canterbury on the day the winner American President made his run down the outside fence.
“The extra trip won’t pose a threat to him at all, he’ll be up there on speed,” Bayliss said.
“With the benefit of having that run and the confidence of winning first-up I think he’ll be a great chance.”
Stablemate Typhoon Taavi resumes in the Racing HQ On Sky Sports Radio Sprint (1300m) after a trial win that made Bayliss stand up and take notice.
Bayliss partnered the mare, who has won two from seven, to victory in the 1050m heat at Randwick on September 13 and based on that he’s keen to see if she can transfer it to race day.
“Her trial was super, she was one that really impressed me that morning,” he said.
“She will bounce up on speed, she’s improved and strengthened on last preparation and I think she will make her presence felt.”
Supplied by Racing NSW
