Gai To Push On With Slumping Squamosa

Squamosa

Trainer Gai Waterhouse is adamant Squamosa will return to form

He’s only been a shadow of his usual self in his last two runs but Gai Waterhouse is adamant Squamosa still has more to offer in his current campaign.

She’s electing to push on into Warwick Farm this Saturday where he’ll run in the Show County Handicap over 1200m.

After bursting onto the scene with such dominance earlier in the year though questions have to be asked after his last two runs.

He first showed problems when beating as clear favourite in the Takeover Target Stakes, then he was just as bad if not worse in the Missile Stakes last start.

The Waterhouse stable is saying its come down to a couple of injuries which although aren’t serious, are just enough to take the shine of his performances.

Squamosa will be given a high intensity gallop at Randwick on Tuesday morning before a final decision is made, but Warehouse has a clear intention to run the horse.
“I’ll make up my mind on Tuesday if he runs but he looks terrific and is working good,” she said.

“He just tied up across the back last time. Nothing too major.
“He is dropping back from weight for age to a handicap, which should suit.

“This will be his last chance. They are not machines and if he doesn’t show us anything on Saturday, he will be put away and given more time to mature.

“That would be it for the rest of the year. He won’t race again until the autumn.”

Waterhouse has a string of top jockeys up her sleeve to take the ride including Nash Rawiller, Tommy Berry and Kathy O’Hara.
“I’ve also got Light Brigade set to run in the race and we are just yet to make up our minds as to which jockey will ride who,” she said.

“I’ll have a look at the weights and how Squamosa works on Tuesday.”

It’s not just Waterhouse that Squamosa has to satisfy either, stewards are asking their own questions and are demanding a vet clearance before acceptances are made on Wednesday.

If Squamosa does run it will be another handy addition to a program that’s shaping up very nicely.

Among a string of top liners set to make their return is the team Webster trained Thankgodyou’rehere.

He has also been entered for the Show County Handicap and he’ll go into the race without having had an official trial.
“We got access to the course proper last Thursday for his final gallop and everything is very well with the horse,” Pat  Webster said.

“He only had three weeks in the paddock but I am surprised at how well he has done.

“Rodney came out and galloped him and was very pleased.”

Other horses in the race will include Neeson to be ridden by Christian Reith, Mirjulisa Lass to be ridden by Corey Brown and Skytrain to be partnered by Kerrin McEvoy.

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