The Chris Waller trained Tom Melbourne continues to firm in the betting for the Group 1 $1m Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick today.
Tom Melbourne, above in blue and gold hoops, has firmed in the betting for the Epsom Handicap at Randwick. Photo by Steve Hart.
Tom Melbourne has shortened in from $9 earlier in the week to be the clear second favourite for the Epsom Handicap at $5 behind the $2.80 top pick Happy Clapper in betting markets at Ladbrokes.com.au.
The Dylan Thomas seven year old has been racing consistently but is struggling to find the winner’s stall with three seconds from three runs this campaign, his latest a head second to stablemate and Epsom Handicap rival Comin’ Through in the Group 3 $150,000 Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m) at Randwick on September 16.
Tom Melbourne has to overcome a wide barrier and will jump from one from the outside in the ten horse field and Waller is hoping the booking of Singapore based Glen Boss will help him find the winner’s stall again.
Boss has had success in the past on the gelding with three wins back in 2015 and 2016 when he was trained by Anthony Freedman.
“Hopefully Glen Boss will see a huge turnaround in his characteristics on Saturday,” Waller’s racing manager Charlie Duckworth said.
“He came to us with a lot of gear and they tried anything to tame the beast as it were.
“Chris thought we would bring it back to basics and take everything off and let him be a horse. We’ve taken him to the beach, which has been his recovery from his work, and it helps him mentally to get into a good space.
“From the (wide) barrier we will have to ride him conservatively anyway and I think had he not fired up in that first 200m of his previous start he would have near enough won anyway.
“Providing he switches off, the mile won’t be an issue and he will run home strong.”
Waller has been left with four runners in the Epsom Handicap following the scratching of Egg Tart yesterday because of an eye injury and as well as Tom Melbourne will saddle up Foxplay ($7), Comin’ Through ($7) and McCreery ($17).
