THE aptly-named Mossman son Second Effort remains on target for a successful defence of his Group 2 MRC P. B. Lawrence (1400m) crown this weekend according to his trainer Clinton McDonald.
The 7YO is aiming to post his 12th career win at start number 31 and take his earnings well over the $700,000 mark.
Second Effort has been in a sustained purple patch of form since winning his second straight Wangoom Handiap at the big Warrnambool carnival in May.
Since then he has finished third in the Sir John Monash Stakes rounded off with an authorities win in the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes at his most recent outing.
“He’s going better than what he was last year, that’s for sure,” McDonald declared.
“Both physically and mentally he’s a lot happier horse.
“I think he’s fully mature now, he’s in a really happy spot and leading into this spring I’m really confident with him. I think he’s chiming in at the right time, he’s got no issues and it’s full steam ahead.
“If we get some wet tracks he’ll be a player in any race he runs in.”
Mossman will also be represented in the Lawrence by Under The Eiffel, a stakeswinner of 9 races and over $600,000.
