Focus Stride Photo by Club Menangle
HE'S already got one proven Grand Circuit performer in his care, and if Darren Binskin's predictions are right, there is a second top level performer in his team.
Preparing a boutique team of pacers, Binskin's headline act is multiple Group One winner, Wolf Stride, which gave every indication he is back to his best with a victory at Club Menangle last week.
Third when first-up from nine-month break due to "niggling issues", Wolf Stride then scored in a handy 1:53.7 over 2300 metres.
As pleased as he is with the son of Rock N Roll Heaven, Binskin is growing increasingly impressed with Wolf Stride's stablemate, Focus Stride.
Successful at seven of his last eight starts as a three-year-old, Focus Stride was sidelined when injury struck in April 2020.
All but forgotten, Focus Stride was given a "slow and steady" preparation before making a triumphant return at Menangle last month.
Since then the son of Art Major has registered a pair of wins and second from his three starts.
"He is a nice horse going places," Binskin said. "I have had a high opinion of him ever since Emilio and Mary (Rosati) sent him to me.”
Set to return to Menangle tonight, Focus Stride will step up to free-for-all company in what shapes as a "good test" for the stallion.
To be driven by Binskin, Focus Stride has drawn barrier 10 over 1609 metres.
TAB Fixed Odds have reacted by posting Focus Stride as the $4.60 second elect, with Jimmy Locke heading the market at $3.70.
To begin from gate nine, Jimmy Locke has two wins and a pair of second from his last four starts.
"This race will be a good test for him," Binskin said. "He has stepped each time I've asked him and I have no doubt he is capable of meeting that again.
"I believe he is capable of competing on the Grand Circuit, but time will tell.
"It will be great to have him on the Grand Circuit with Wolf Stride, which continues to improve as he gets fitter."
Elsewhere on the card, New South Wales' leading trainer KerryAnn Morris will be back in a bid to continue her winning ways at the world class venue.
Still fresh from notching a personal milestone last weekend, Morris has a runner in each of the nine races.
Just to recap, Morris went into last Saturday's meeting needing a double to reach the milestone, which she achieved in the final event of the card.
Thanks to Sunny Gee's victory Morris secured her 1500th training success.
"It was great to get to 1500 and I had a little celebration," Morris said.
"We got another winner there on Tuesday and have a few handy chances on Saturday night.
"Most are midrange in betting, but I give them a better chance than the markets suggest."