Sandown to Host Pudding’s Bid for Consecutive Wins in Horse Racing Handicap
Morphettville-based trainers Richard and Chantelle Jolly will be hoping for another successful outing from their in-form galloper Pudding this Saturday at Sandown Racecourse. The 5-year-old gelding will be chasing a second consecutive win when he lines up in the Sportsbet Race Replays Handicap (1800m), the same distance he won over just three weeks ago.
Jolly, who was in Vietnam when Pudding scored his last victory, returned to his stable on Monday and was pleased with the horse’s condition. “He’s right at his peak and we’ve been happy with him between runs, so there’s no reason why he won’t give a good account of himself,” Jolly said.
While the race conditions are similar to Pudding’s previous win, Jolly acknowledges it will be a tougher assignment this time around, with a few more horses entering the fray. “It’s a harder race this time, even though it’s the same conditions,” he explained. “There’s a few more horses that have come from different places, but the horse looks well.”
Pudding has shown his versatility, with the ability to adapt to leading or sitting off the pace. Jolly believes the gelding will get a good run and is confident he can replicate his previous success. “He should get a good run. He’s a horse that can adapt to leading or sitting off the speed,” the trainer said.
Prior to his Sandown triumph, Pudding’s form in Adelaide had looked disappointing on paper, but Jolly pointed to extenuating circumstances, such as poor barriers and slow pace, as contributing factors. “Those races in Adelaide, he was going OK in them, but he drew some shocking gates in them early, so his form was better than it looks,” he explained.
Unbeaten in his last three starts over 1800m, Jolly believes Pudding may eventually make his mark over 2000 meters, though they haven’t pushed him to that distance yet. “I really think he will go 2000 metres, but we just haven’t got him to that stage yet,” Jolly said. “He might end up being a nice Country Cups type of horse at 2000 metres, and they run them for good money.”
With the confidence of a recent victory and the potential to excel at longer distances, Pudding will be one to watch as he chases back-to-back wins in the Sportsbet Race Replays Handicap this Saturday at Sandown.
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