David Harrison believes Polyrio has the slight edge over stable mate Jestpatim in the Mitavite Handicap (1000m) at Ascot on Wednesday.
Harrison leans to Polyrio after his win at Bunbury when he stormed home from near last to run over the top of Jack ‘N’ Sam and score by a head.
“He got home really well and with the pace on he chimed in at the right time,” said Harrison.
“There looks like there will be pace on again so it should suit him.”
Jestpatim was placed on three consecutive occasions before getting too far out of his ground when 10th of 14 to Lost Heritage at Ascot a fortnight back.
Harrison says the Patronize gelding has been unlucky but combined with top hoop, Paul Harvey and an improved draw, he can bounce back.
“He is one of those horses who gets too far back but bad barriers haven’t helped,” said Harrison.
“I will instruct Paul (Harvey) to ride him a fraction closer from a better draw.
“But the way Polyrio has been finishing I think he is marginally in front.”
Delicate Miss is ready to step out for her first official outing in the Westspeed 2YO Plate (1000m) after posting a dominant trial win.
Harrison says he will get a good handle on the My Atacanta filly after she meets stiff opposition in Sonesta and Military Reign.
“She is a nice filly who trialled well and I think it was the fastest two-year-old trial of the day,” said Harrison.
“Mind you there is a bit of race form and trial form in the race including a couple of last-start winners.
“It will be interesting to see whether she is up to them but she goes pretty well and couldn’t have been more impressive in her trial.”
Military Reign, prepared by Darren McAuliffe, backs up after leading throughout and spacing her nearest rival by three lengths on debut at Bunbury last month.
Sonesta, from the Trevor Andrews stable, is coming back after a smart maiden win earlier in February and sharped up with a 400m trial.”
