Hoping for better luck this time around
EXPERIENCING moderate luck in one division, astute horseman Blake Fitzpatrick is hoping for better fortune during the next round.
Fitzpatrick partnered Maximus Meridius in a HRNSW Foundation Final at Club Menangle last Saturday night, with the three-year-old battling on for third after working to the lead from barrier seven.
“He fought on well, but it wasn’t his night,” Fitzpatrick said.
Poised to return to the world class venue tomorrow, Fitzpatrick will tackle a two-year-old series heat with Oria and Lucius.
Third upon debut a fortnight ago, Oria has fared best in barrier one, with Fitzpatrick to take the reins behind the daughter of Quaker Jet.
“She did well in her first run,” Fitzpatrick said. “Better still, we were pretty pleased with the way she came through it.
“Her work since has lifted and I expect her to be better again this time around.
“These races are never easy, and there is some good form in the field, but she has drawn to get her chance.”
To be driven by Fitzpatrick’s brother, Gavin, Lucius will come from gate nine due to his outside of the mobile status.
The son of Andover Hall was placed out of the draw after “doing plenty wrong” during his previous start.
“As she showed at his last start, he is very green,” Fitzpatrick said. “The ability is there, it’s just the brain isn’t in the same place yet.
“His run before that when runner-up after leading was a better glimpse of what he is capable of, so hopefully he can keep his concentration and bring that kind of effort with him.”
Elsewhere on the card Fitzpatrick’s father, Paul, will be represented by promising types Wheres Harry and Cabana.
Completing a successful debut on May 22, Wheres Harry was a luckless fifth at his subsequent start and has a chance to make amends from barrier five over 1609 metres.
A race later, Cabana should have no trouble continuing his strong form despite drawing wide in gate eight.
Cabana’s three starts this campaign have netted a win and a pair of seconds for an overall record of three victories and six placings from 11 outings.