Smart move to put Foolish in his thinnest race

As the name suggests, backing frustrating provincial-based four-year-old Foolish at Tuesday’s Port Macquarie meeting may seem unwise.

The gelded son of sprint sire Nicconi and trained by Kim Waugh at Wyong hasn’t lived up to his promise in 17 career runs, which started in the spring of 2021.

From 17 starts, Foolish has won only twice, with a further six placings, although admittedly, he did most of his early racing in handy provincial company before finally breaking through in a heavy track country maiden last August.

But for all his stopping and starting, D-Day awaits fifth-up this prep in a competitive Class 2 Hcp over 1200m on the Mid North Coast.

Opening at nearly $20 in a very wide market, two factors can lead Foolish to recapture his best and upset the field. Firstly, after four mixed runs back in higher country classes and Midway BM 64 provincial grade, Foolish finds his thinnest race all year.

Even more significant, the blinkers go on for the first time which should enable him to settle closer to the speed from a low draw, with seasoned jockey Grant Buckley retaining the ride.

One of several open affairs on a big nine-race card, provincial-based stables look set to dominate.
And like his yard so often does, a trio of Kris Lees-trained runners could steal the show.

Heading the charge is progressive four-year-old Better Not Bitter, who shapes as one of the best bets from a handy draw in a modest Class 1 & Maiden Plate over 1800m.