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Pocket rocket grey Vilakazi Street remains on track to continue his good form when he lines up at Rosehill in the seventh race on Saturday.
Photo by Racing and Sports
A proven model of consistency throughout his career the son of Johannesburg followed up his solid victory at Albury two back with a gallant second placing behind Unanimously in the Wagga Town Plate last start.
Stepping out for his seventh attempt in Saturday company Vilakazi Street boasts some impressive formlines for a race of this level having not been beaten far by Arinosa, Aeronautical and Malavio last time in.
"He's one of the most honest and consistent horses I have ever trained he tries his heart out every time he steps out at the races," Dryden said.
"He's nice and fresh, has worked well in the lead up and we would like to think he will run well on Saturday."
While he is proven over the six furlong journey, Dryden admits he would have preferred him over a bit further on Saturday.
"I would have probably liked it a fraction longer with Vilakazi Street but I've got to take him to the races," Dryden said.
"I had to scratch him last start after he drew 16 so at least this week he should get a nice comfortable run in the race."
Dryden has secured the services of apprentice rider Winona Costin with her three kilogram claim proving the key to Vilakazi Street's wining prospects.
"He'll definitely appreciate her [Winona Costin] three-kilogram claim," Dryden said.
"The most he has every carried to victory is 56.5kg so with the claim dropping him back to 55kg it places him in that competitive range."
While it is widely considered that all greys simply handle the wet Dryden is adamant he is far better horse on top of the ground.
"He's not a wet-tracker as much his form may perceive he is," Dryden said.
"He won the other day at Albury on pure ability because he generally doesn't handle the wet."
Dryden will also saddle up dual Canberra Cup victor Macknuckle on Saturday and expects to see a much improved performance stepping up in trip.
"Taylor Lovelock Wiggins rode him last start and told us he is definitely looking for more ground and is racing a bit dour," Dryden said.
"I'm happy with him, he's an older horse so he doesn't go out there and break any records at track work but he's the sort of horse that if he gets things run to suit then he will prove competitive.
"You'll see an improvement from him on Saturday."
