AN encouraging first-up performance last preparation has Wodonga trainer David O’Prey upbeat about the prospects of his promising galloper This Is The Show at Sandown today.
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This Is The Show resumes from a 15-week spell after running several placings in strong company last campaign including a third at Caulfield in January.
O’Prey said being forced to miss some track work due to the recent wet weather was the biggest query in the lead-up to today’s $35,000 3YO 0-64 Hcp (1000-metres).
“He went pretty well first-up behind Stratumsphere and Danger Close last preparation who both went on to multiple races in town,” O’Prey said.
“He has had a couple of trials that he went well in but the past 10 days he has been sort of hampered by the wet weather.
“I would have loved to have got another gallop under his belt just to top him off.
“So he could be a fraction underdone but he certainly handles the wet.
“Depending how heavy the track gets it could take its toll late with him being first-up.”
O’Prey said he had always held a high opinion of This Is The Show, who has had one win and four minor placings from eight starts and $65,000 in career earnings.
It is an opinion shared by leading Melbourne jockeys Craig Newitt, who is booked to ride today, and Steve Arnold.
“He is a nice horse and Craig has obviously stuck by him and also has a high opinion of the horse,” O’Prey said.
This Is The Show is quoted as a $21-chance in TAB fixed odds markets and has drawn barrier 8 in the final field comprising 13 runners plus four emergencies.