A heavy track tested horses and punters alike in Perth on Saturday but as always it wasn't hard to identify some promising runners for the future.
AGACHAR CRUZ
I can't help but feel this talented sprinter is on the cusp of another victory. Back with original trainer David Harrison after spending much of this season under Simon Foster's tutelage, Agachar Cruz has been steadily running his way into winning condition this time in work. The effort to be beaten less than two lengths in Listed company two starts ago (albeit in a bunched finish) was solid as was his run on Saturday when finishing off in the best closing 600-metre sectional despite seeming to struggle in the heavy conditions. The rising seven-year-old will be dropping slightly down the ratings after recent unplaced efforts and if he strikes the right race over the short course where a senior jockey can jump back on board we might just get a return at decent odds.
Career record (27:7-3-1)
Race to look for – Benchmark race 1000m
GET OVER IT
It took me a while to do exactly that after this talented son of Saxon was beaten into second place on Saturday but it hasn't dampened my enthusiasm for him. Third in stakes grade over the spring before going on to finish midfield in the WA Guineas, Get Over It has demonstrated excellent progress in his two starts so far this time in work to suggest he is building nicely for races over 1400 metres or a mile. He'll be taking on open-age races from here on in but as a veteran of only seven starts and still holding a class 2 rating there should be plenty of opportunities for Get Over It to notch up a few more victories while the better horses are still getting warmed up ahead of spring and summer campaigns.
Career record (7:2-1-1)
Race to look for – Benchmark race 1400-1600m
A KNIGHT OF PRO
This Robert and Todd Harvey-trained gelding surprised most with his victory two starts ago but the money was there on Saturday to suggest it was no fluke. Rock-solid from the moment markets opened and starting the $3.20 favourite, A Knight of Pro burst through the gates prior to the start of the race and cantered a short distance before being reloaded. Showing good speed once the field did get away the second time around, the son of Proart led comfortably into the straight but was no match in the run to the line. It was subsequently discovered A Knight of Pro had cut himself near his eye – presumably hidden from view under the blinkers – which can't have done his cause much good. This in-form animal looks at home up to 1400 metres and can return to winning ways shortly.
Career record (9:2-3-2)
Race to look for – Benchmark race 1200-1400m