24th Feb 2013
AAP Megaform - Stephen Rodgers - Saturday 23 February, 2013
Better Than Ready rocketed into Newmarket Handicap contention after his win in the Falvelon Quality at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
With a Group One win the target for Better Than Ready, trainer Kelly Schweida has his sights squarely on the Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on March 9.
"He'll get into the Newmarket with only 50 kilograms and that would be the attraction of having a go at a race like that," Schweida said.
"There's normally a hot speed in the Newmarket and he'd be able to get back and swoop home."
Better Than Ready settled just behind the leaders before jockey Ric McMahon switched him back to the fence at the 300m and the colt produced a brilliant turn of foot to win by three lengths.
"The good alley was a real bonus to him and they weren't slouches that he was racing so it was good to see him put them away like he did," Schweida said.
"Once he drew so well it was always our plan to ride him a little bit closer.
"He's still got a fair way to go as far as measuring up against better horses but he's on an upward spiral."
McMahon said although Better Than Ready was fractious before the start of the race, the colt settled perfectly once the gates opened.
"He's learning every day and he travelled so well for me on the bit when I eased him in behind the leaders going into the first turn," McMahon said.
"When I asked him to go he produced a phenomenal turn of foot and he feels like he's doing it easily.
"I pressed the button in the straight and he just lengthened. He gets down low and just extends like a really good horse."
The only downside for McMahon is the knowledge he will be unable to make the three-year-old's weight in the Newmarket.
Patinack Farm will offer the yearling half-sister to Better Than Ready as Lot 310 at this year’s Easter Sale.
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