Better Than Ready needs trouble free run for Newmarket Handicap

Eagle Farm trainer Kelly Schweida is hoping for trouble free run as he prepares his stable star Better Than Ready for another attempt at winning the Group 1 $1m Lexus Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on March 8.

Better Than Ready on target for a 2nd attempt to win the G1 Newmarket Handicap.

Better Than Ready on target for a 2nd attempt to win the G1 Newmarket Handicap. Photo by Daniel Costello.

Better Than Ready was one of sixty nominated for the Newmarket Handicap today and Schweida is keen to get back to Melbourne after the classy sprinters finished fifth to Shamexpress in last year’s $1m sprint down the Flemington straight.

Schweida was happy with BetterThan Ready’s Doomben trial today even though he finished third behind Magic In Motion and Benny’s Buttons in a five horses field over 820m.

“You wouldn’t believe it in a five-horse trial he got held up for a run. When he got out with fifty metres to go he really hit the line,” Schweida told AAP.

“Let’s hope that’s the end of the bad luck.”

Better Than Ready had a mixed Brisbane Winter Carnival with his best effort being a third to Your Song in the Group 1 $400,000 Bundaberg Distilling Co. BTC Cup (1200m) at Eagle Farm on May 11 on a heavy track.

Then the More Than Ready stallion had to miss the Spring Carnival after suffering some nasty injuries in a track work accident but recovered to win twice in November, including a win in the Listed $100,000 Brisbane Racing Club Keith Noud Handicap (1200m) at Eagle Farm on November 23.

Schweida hopes to have Better That Ready primed to kick off his Melbourne Autumn Carnival campaign in the Group 2 $175,000 Schweppes Rubiton Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on February 8 and is currently organising transport arrangements.

“We have to get him there for the Rubiton Stakes on February 8. But I haven’t worked out exactly when we will go,” Schweida said.

Better Than Ready will then progress to the Group 1 $400,000 Sportingbet Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield on February 22 before lining up in the his second Newmarket Handicap.

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.