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Trainer Daniel Bowen reckons Restricted has his hoof right on the till.

Bad luck and a series of bad barriers have been instrumental is keeping the five-year-old gelding away from the winners’ circle.

Restricted steps out at Lismore on Friday in the Lismore & District Workers Club Benchmark 55 Hcp (1516m), Bowen hopeful luck will go his way.

“He’s suffered from bad barriers and no luck at his past few runs,” Bowen explained. “Even last start he had to go back to last just to get in. The barrier beat him again.

“He’s no world beater but I reckon when he wins one and gets a bit of confidence he can win a couple more.”

Restricted drew barrier 13 when a closing half-length third to Zombie Queen and Grey Not Black in a 1400m Benchmark 50 handicap at Lismore on August 22. He had to improve wide on the track yet continued to run on strongly right to the winning post.

“He’s been hitting the line well lately,” Bowen added. “This time in he’s grown up a bit, got a bit stronger and is able to handle a longer preparation.

“He used to be a bad traveller. That’s why a lot of his form is around Lismore. He likes racing there.”

Restricted has only won two from 22 starts but according to Bowen he’s a horse that is getting better with age.

The son of Authorized is raced by Lismore based Steve Butcher and his wife.

“He’s a good client. I’d love to win a race for him in his home town,” Bowen added. “He’s got his hoof on the till. He’s ready to win. I just hope he can finish his race off as well as last time. That horse of Matthew Dunn’s (One More Two More) goes pretty good.

“We’re probably going to have to go back again so we just need some luck.”