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Trainer Ricardo Le Grange is hoping handy galloper Churchill can bounce back to form on Saturday.
The Smart Missile five-year-old turned in a moderate performance (eighth) in the race he had been specially bought for in September, the Group 1 Singapore Derby (1800m). He fared marginally better when seventh at his next start in a Class 3 race over 1400m three weeks later, beaten only 1 ½-lengths off the winner Quarter Back.
The South African handler has since freshened up the two-time winner (one win apiece on turf and Polytrack) who is now raced by his stalwart owner Guy Shirtliff after original owner Steve Levar sold him. Shirtliff also bought King Louis from the Australian while his third horse under The Racing Club banner, handy mare Sweet Angeline was sent to Australia to begin a new career as a broodmare.
Churchill 's second place under champion jockey Vlad Duric in a barrier trial last week (October 29) has certainly given further impetus to Le Grange's hopes he could return to his best in this Saturday's $70,000 Class 3 Division 2 race over 1200m on Polytrack, in which he has also drawn the pole.
"Churchill is a very nice horse. I'm bringing him back to the six on Poly," said Le Grange.
"He trialled nicely last week with Vlad, who was supposed to ride him tomorrow, but he got suspended. Ruan Maia rang up for the ride and we're happy to have him on.
"I'm putting blinkers on him. He raced with them back in Australia.
"He had them on in a track gallop during the week and he worked very well with them."
Known as Front Sight in Australia where he was prepared by Newcastle trainer Kris Lees, Churchill boasted a promising record of one win and four placings from six starts back home. The solitary win came in a maiden race over 1350m race at Wyong in June 2019, but he wore no blinkers then.
Still, Le Grange is convinced the headgear can only prove beneficial to his racing output.
"There are some fast horses in the race tomorrow and the blinkers will sharpen him up," he said.
"He is racing in a very competitive field, but I can't fault his form, and I hope he can run a good race."
