Heaven to begin campaign on a high
WITH a solid trial to his credit and a handy draw to his benefit, Heaven On High has a prime opportunity to begin his latest campaign in the same manner he ended the previous one.
Successful at Club Menangle last October 1, Heaven On High was sent for a well-earned break following his initial Australian stint, which netted two wins and a pair of placings from four starts.
The son of Rock N Roll Heaven had also been among the placings during his last four outings before leaving New Zealand in July.
Declaring the gelding has thrived during his summer vacation, trainer David Thorn is confident Heaven On High is ready to continue his progress through the grades when he returns to Club Menangle on Saturday night.
“I couldn’t be happier with where he is at going into his first run from a spell,” Thorn said. “He did a top job when he first got here and has really filled out and done so well during his time in the paddock.
“The break has done him the world of good and he feels terrific.
“I’ve only given him the one trial, which was a couple of weeks ago, but it was a good hit out and his work has really picked up since.”
To be driven by Jack Trainor, Heaven On High has drawn to use his gate speed from the pole.
“Winning first-up is never easy, and like any horse he will benefit from the run, but I expect him to go close,” Thorn said. “He’s a nice type which can get his way down in grade.”
Elsewhere on the card, Everybodylovedray can continue to earn his ‘reprieve’ when he competes over 2300 metres.
Runner-up at his last three starts, Everybodylovedray will begin from barrier five with Jim Douglass in the cart.
“I was all but set to send him to Queensland when he ran a couple of seconds and earned a reprieve,” Thorn said.
“I think he will do well up there, but if he keeps going like he is, he will stay here a little longer.”