3 minute read

After disappointments resulting in gear and tactics changes, Don’tcha Think is hinting lofty expectations at massive value into a strong TAB Highway at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

The elite bred So You Think gelding, is an appealing $21 dropping to the 54kg limit for in-form Dylan Gibbons after country wins with 59kg and 58.5kg into the $120,000 Class 3, 1200m, support race to a tremendous day of Group racing at headquarters.

"The Norton bit is the key, he's quality, well weighted off a dominant win - I think he'll run top three, and maybe have a Country Championships next preparation," said astute training veteran Stephen Jones.

"He's a So You Think getting out to a more suitable distance range, big track, upside and some form drawn wide.

"We've had to dig him up to stay in touch at 1000m and he over-raced. No need here, out in distance and bigger track.

"We'll jump and settle and he'll close really strong with no weight."

After shock defeats at Tamworth and Muswellbrook when at short odds, Jones made the changes that resulted in a dominant win at Taree three weeks ago at $1.65.

While the opposition is infinitely tougher on Saturday, Jones expands on his confidence, and the failures.

"He won twice and then prior to Tamworth he fell in the float, we couldn't work him, he over-raced fresh and the jockey said he didn't handle the heavy, although the breed generally do.

"So we used the Norton and he settled to win really well at Taree and on a firmer track. He can over-race so needs a rider with good hands.

"We got that with 'Digger' (McLellan) at Taree and Dylan can do the same. That lad has come so far in a short time, we'll get the right ride."

Don'Tcha Think secured a start on Saturday as an emergency after three early scratchings from wide barriers in a capacity field.

With a pull in the weights and a handy draw, the last start winner is a likely firmer as leading contenders with proven Highway form, Iron Will ($8) and Smokeshow ($13) have drawn the "car park" in gates 18 and 17 respectively.

So undoubtedly far more to play out before the final field is determined with headquarters a Soft 6 after receiving 13.7mls of rain on Wednesday night.