The Time Is Right For Phelan Ready

Phelan Ready

Phelan Ready will look to end his losing streak in the Glasshouse Handicap

Jason McLachan is hopeful that he can put an end to Golden Slipper-winner Phelan Ready’s losing streak when he lines him up for the Listed Glasshouse Handicap at the Sunshine Coast on Saturday.

The four-year-old gelding has failed to win a race since claiming victory in the $3.5 million Golden Slipper Stakes by two and a half lengths in 2009.

Despite earning prize money that totals almost $3.4 million, Phelan Ready has only won two of his 21 race starts.

The More Than Ready gelding came close to making his way back into the winners circle last start when he finished second to Varenna Miss in the Group 2 QTC Cup at Eagle Farm on June 4.

McLachlan is hoping that reuniting Phelan Ready with his Golden Slipper winning jockey, Brad Rawiller, will be the key to winning this weekend’s Glasshouse Handicap.

The trainer is hoping to win the race for his trainer dad, who was never able to win the race himself.

“The Glasshouse was one of the few races Dad never won and it would be great to win it for him on my home track,” McLachlan said.

McLachlan has been preparing Phelan Ready specifically for this race and is pleased with the horse’s current form.

“He’s injury-free this time which is different to his previous preparations,” he said.

“I also decided to bypass the Eye Liner and set him for this race.”

The trainer turned to Rawiller after last start jockey Shane Scriven was suspended in a recent race.

“Unfortunately Shane Scriven, who rode him last start, is suspended so I rang Brad to see if he wanted to come up to ride him,” McLachlan said.

“I’m hoping Brad and the horse can click again.”

McLachlan is hoping Phelan Ready will show him he is ready to tackle some of the spring’s best races.

“If he goes well I’m going to send him to Melbourne for the spring along with Absalon and possibly Facile Tigre,” he said.

“He hasn’t raced for a nearly month but I’ve given him a soft trial since then.”

Phelan Ready has drawn barrier 17 for this weekend’s Glasshouse, however, this could prove a positive with the race expected to be run on a slow rated track.

“I’d prefer him on a dry track but he has won on a slow track,” McLachlan said.

“I can’t see the track improving much but I don’t want it heavy.”

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