Caloundra trainer David Vandyke is hoping Eminent‘s return to his pet track and distance can put the gelding in the right head space for a win at Doomben.
Vandyke has always had a big opinion of Eminent who he considered good enough to run in stakes races as a younger horse.
Eminent trialled solidly for his return from a spell at Eagle Farm two weeks ago but performed poorly on race day, running second last.
It was not a total surprise as Eminent has never run at place at Eagle Farm.
His form is much better at Doomben and in particular over 1350m where he has won twice and been second twice in five attempts.
He will get that combination in the Bentley’s Handicap on Saturday when he will be ridden by Jake Bayliss.
“I think a lot of it is in Eminent’s head and it is a matter of getting him into the right head place,” Vandyke said.
Bayliss is also booked to ride unbeaten three-year-old Alligator Blood for Vandyke in a Class Five handicap at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday.
Vandyke has brought Alligator Blood back to Queensland after the gelding was a late scratching at Rosehill last Saturday week when he became agitated in the race day stalls.
“All going well we can think about a trip to the spring carnival after that,” Vandyke said.