Time to test promising pacer

PROMISING pacer Rudimentary will undertake “a test” this afternoon as he continues to work this way through the grades.

Racing in solid fashion around New South Wales’ provincial circuits, Rudimentary has built a respectable record of four wins and five placings from 15 starts this season for trainer Scott Hewitt.

Hopeful the son of Vincent can develop into a metropolitan performer, Hewitt will take the first step towards his goal by competing at Club Menangle today.

“I’m keen to see how he measures up at Menangle on a Tuesday as a test on his way to taking that next step,” Hewitt said. “I believe he can measure up to metropolitan grade later on, so this is the way of progressing towards that.

“He’s a nice little racehorse which does everything right, has gate speed and good manners, which puts himself in a good spot.

“I’ll give him a few runs at midweek meetings to get used to racing at Menangle then later in the year we’ll have a crack at a Saturday night metropolitan race.”

Runner-up in Wagga a fortnight ago – following a pair of wins – Rudimentary has drawn awkwardly in barrier eight over 1609 metres.

“He’s been racing really well, especially during his last few starts,” Hewitt said. “The draw is a bit of a pain and I’m not sure what we will do from out there.”

Successful against similar company at Club Menangle last week, Gem N Em is the one to beat according to Hewitt.

A member of the powerful Jason Grimson stable, the daughter of Sweet Lou will begin from gate four with Cameron Hart taking the reins.

“We’ve got to come out and look for a spot, but Gem N Em is pretty quick off the gate,” Hewitt said. “She’s the likely leader and is the one to beat from there.

“It would be ideal if the draws were reversed.”

Earlier on the card Hewitt will be represented by recent stable acquisition Jilliby Tomcat, which completed a perfect debut for the astute horseman last week.

Driven by Hewitt, Jilliby Tomcat scored in 1:55.4 over 1740 metres in Wagga.

“He did a top job in his first start for me,” Hewitt said. “He got shuffled back and finished off very strongly.

“I haven’t had him long, and am still getting to know him, but he impresses me. He’s got a bit more maturity to do, but on ability, he will make a nice horse.”

Competing over a mile this time around, Jilliby Tomcat has drawn barrier five.

“It’s a bit of a difficult draw, but I’m hoping to find a nice handy spot with cover as it seems to suit him,” Hewitt said. “I’m very interested to see what he does at Menangle as I believe he will like the big track.

“He’s still got improving to do, but in time, I think he will end up making metro grade.”