The Chris Waller stable is expecting I’m Pretty Strong to lift her performance when the American import steps up to the 1600m in the Nathan’s Famous BenchMark 78 Handicap at Randwick on Saturday.

Jockey Jason Collett, above, rides I'm Pretty Strong in the Benchmark 78 Handicap at Randwick. Photo by Steve Hart.

Jockey Jason Collett, above, rides I’m Pretty Strong in the Benchmark 78 Handicap at Randwick. Photo by Steve Hart.

I’m Pretty Strong has had one run in Australia for a fourth in a 1400m BenchMark 70 Handicap on the Kensington track at Randwick on June 26 and trainer Chris Waller is not concerned about the quick back up and step up in distance.

“She has the makings of a handy horse,” Waller told Racenet.

“She’s really started to thrive.”

“She came acting like her name but she’s doing everything right since she got here.

“I didn’t plan to back her up this quickly after her first start but she’s done really well and I thought it was a nice target race for her. I don’t think it’s an overly strong race.

“I’d expect to see her improve again up to the mile.”

I’m Pretty Strong has been to the races on eight occasions and is the winner of two races back in the United Stakes and Waller can see her working her way up through the grades.

Jason Collett takes the ride on I’m Pretty Strong who has drawn barrier five in the nine horse field.

I’m Pretty Strong is sharing the third line of betting at $8.50 at Ladbrokes.com.au with her stablemate Seles who will jump from gate eight for Jay Ford.

The Paul Cave trained Monsieur Sisu is the $3 favourite just ahead of Mark Newnham’s Sweet Victory at $3.40.

Monsieur Sisu is closing in on a win after two placings over the same course and distance as Saturday’s contest and will jump from gate two with Kathy O’Hara taking over the reins from Mathew Cahill while Sweet Victory was a beaten favourite and finished behind Monsieur Sisu last start when eighth in the 1600m BenchMark 78 Handicap at Randwick on June 22.

Sweet Victory has drawn the rails with Tin Clark in the saddle.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.