The Barbara Joseph and Paul Jones training partnership has aimed horses at two of the first three TAB Highway Handicap races and Onemorenomore three-year-old Darts Away gives them their best chance of a breakthrough win in Saturday’s edition of the event at Canterbury Park.
Darts Away, which ran eighth in the Group 3 Black Opal Stakes in March, has won two from three this preparation and Joseph said Saturday’s $40,000 race would be a good time to test him over 1550 metres.
“He’s done very well since his last start and his work last Saturday was great. I think we’ve got him 100 per cent ready for this race,” Joseph said.
“We’ve both got a big wrap on him and he’s one of the better horses to come through the stable in recent times.
“I’m over the moon about the concept [TAB Highway Series] and it’s great for country racing.”
Darts Away hasn’t won over more than 1400 metres and from barrier 10, his 2kg-claiming apprentice Josh Cartwright will be under pressure to find cover.
Joseph said she wanted Darts Away to gain the confidence of a city win before he’s further tested early next year in The Championships.
“He’s really up to this grade and hopefully he can win this race because we want to set him for The Country Championships at Goulburn where he’ll go into it first-up. He goes so well fresh,” she said.
“I think he’ll eventually get over a mile and possesses a high cruising speed. He’ll get back but I don’t want him getting too far back over 1550 metres at Canterbury so hopefully he’ll be midfield.”
Sydney’s wet weather forecast for the next 48 hours won’t put Darts Away’s race hopes in jeopardy.
“I think he’ll handle the wet quite well and Canterbury’s the best draining track in Sydney so I’m not worried and he’ll head to the races, even if it’s heavy,” Joseph said.
