News

Greg Hickman Happy With Canterbury Team

2nd Aug 2012

*AAP Megaform - Mandy Cottell - Wednesday 01 August, 2012

Greg Hickman won't be tempted to extend the campaign of promising three-year-old Taxmeifyoucan, even if he wins at Canterbury on Saturday.

The Warwick Farm trainer confirmed the spelling paddock was the only thing on the gelding's spring agenda after a tilt at a big pay day in Saturday's Canterbury BMW Inglis Bonus (1200m).

"I was probably going to tip him out after his last run but he went so well and it was three weeks between races," Hickman said.

"One hundred per cent he will have this run then go to the paddock."

A field of 10 has been paid up for the race which carries a $100,000 bonus to the winner if that horse is an Inglis sales graduate.

Hickman has adopted a patient approach with Taxmeifyoucan who cost just $16,000 at the Classic sale.

He had just one start at his initial campaign finishing third behind Cavalry Rose and Diamond Earth in the Inglis Classic in January.

He then resumed with an encouraging second to Windswept in June before turning the tables on that horse last start with a dominant Warwick Farm victory.

Hickman has no doubt the best is still ahead for Taxmeifyoucan who is still learning his craft.

"He's raw so I was very, very happy with his win last start," Hickman said.

"He's drawn nicely this week and he has worked just as well as he did before he won."

Taxmeifyoucan showed a good turn of foot to overcome an outside draw and sweep to victory at Warwick Farm.

Hickman has no qualms about the smaller Canterbury circuit given his good draw of five.

"You've got to get on your bike a bit earlier (at Canterbury)," Hickman said.

"I don't think it will be a problem.

"He jumped well the other day and then went back and he might even be able to slot in just behind the pace."

Among the acceptors are interstate raiders Proper Madam from the Victorian yard of Jason Warren and Queenslander Harlequin's Gold who has won his past two starts for trainer Liam Birchley.

Taxmeifyoucan will be one of two runners at the meeting for Hickman with honest mare Girls Go Racing to contest the Canterbury BMW X6 Turbo M Handicap (1100m).

The six-year-old has a winning strike rate of almost 25 per cent and an affinity for Canterbury where she has raced eight times for two wins and four placings.

"I haven't been able to get her back there enough for one reason or another but she does enjoy racing there," Hickman said.

"She's had a freshen-up since her last start and she's done well."