Thriving in new state

THRIVING since arriving in South Australia, After The Chase is expected to have no trouble continuing his impressive form in Port Pirie tomorrow night.

Winless from eight starts last season, After The Chase boasts four wins and three placings from 10 starts since arriving at Trent Hoare’s stable.

A late bloomer, After The Chase has only had 39 starts despite being a nine-year-old, which made his debut in June 2020!

“He is a nine-year-old, but runs around the paddock like he’s only two,” Hoare said. “To say a nine-year-old is still learning how to race sounds strange, but it is the case with him.

“When he hits the front for example, he switches off…you can see his ears prick because he thinks the job is done.

“If I can also get him to run straighter, he’d be a lot better.

“Soundness issues have restricted him. In the six years between his first run and now, he has spent almost four years on the sidelines, but he has been fine this time, which is great.”

Winner of his last two starts, After The Chase will begin from barrier five with Michael Smith holding the reins.

Early markets have the son of Mr Feelgood listed at $1.30, with Dashing Cowboy the main danger at $5 from the pole.

“He is in some good form,” Hoare said. “I wouldn’t say he has surprised us, but he is going well.

“At this stage he is a bit one dimensional as a sit sprinter, but he can really rattle home when driven for one run.

“I’d say Dashing Cowboy will lead easily from the pole, which makes him the one to beat.”