By Ray Hickson
Think About It has work to do to get close to the feats of some of his illustrious stablemates but trainer Joe Pride says the four-year-old is all potential and it’s up to the horse to realise it.
And the extra 30 or 40kg added to his frame since his first preparation has Pride confident Think About It has made the physical improvement he needed and can kick off his second campaign on the right foot in the Vinery Yearlings Handicap (1200m) at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.
The gelding has raced just three times for two dynamic provincial wins and an unlucky third on his home track at the end of August.
“He’s very progressive, who knows where he ends up? He’s a very exciting horse,” Pride said.
“He’s been a very immature horse but you can see now he’d be a good 30-40kg heavier, he was basically a coathanger last prep. He’s beefed up and he looks good.
“He’s not a robust horse, what he carries on his frame is just muscle and he’ll be a better horse for that.”
Sydney trainer Joe Pride.Credit:Getty
Pride is not one to put the cart before the horse. In reality Think About It is racing in his right grade for now. That said, there is a bit expected of him first-up.
“He’s got a long way to go, he’s a benchmark 64 horse, but he looks really promising,″ he said.
“He’ll go through his grades, this is his next obvious step and if he can win there he can come to a Saturday race.
“He was genuinely unlucky last start, it was run-of-the-race stuff. He got shuffled back into an awkward spot but I thought he ran well.”
Rory Hutchings has partnered Think About It in all three starts but won’t be on board at Warwick Farm due to suspension so Pride gave Sam Clipperton the ride in his latest trial to get a sense for the horse.
From gate two with only eight rivals, it’s not likely Think About It will concede as much start as he did in his only defeat.
“He’s always had speed, I’ve just never used it. I wouldn’t want him too close but he’s not going to be dragged back in the field,” Pride said.
Supplied by Racing NSW
Full form and race replays available at racingnsw.com.au
Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
