Bendigo trainer Shaun Dwyer is hoping a set of blinkers and cover in running will see Truculent return to the winners’ list on Saturday.
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Truculent drops in class to run in the Schweppes Australia Benchmark 64 Handicap (1100m) at the Bendigo Jockey Club’s popular Beach Party meeting.
The four-year-old was super impressive in winning first-up off a spell at Pakenham in July.
His four runs since then in higher grade have been solid, including a fifth behind Voodoo Lad in the Regal Roller Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield.
“He (Truculent) won with blinkers on first up and then I took them off him,’’ Dwyer said.
“He’s run some good races of late, but he hasn’t been finishing his races off as well as he was, so I’ve put the blinkers back on him.
“I’d like it if the horse had a better barrier, but if he can get some cover I’m hoping he’ll finish the race off strongly.”
Dwyer said Truculent has the ability to win better races.
“They’ll go pretty quick in this race, so if he can get cover and have the last crack at them he’ll be in the finish,’’ Dwyer said.
“He has a terrific sprint on him… when he puts it all together he lets down very well.”
Saturday’s meeting starts with the Bet365 2YO Maiden (900m) at 1.06pm.
Leading trainer Darren Weir won the race last year with Dalradian and he’ll saddle up first-starter Kaiken on Saturday. Kaiken is superbly bred by Exceed And Excel out of smart mare Joyeuse.
Bendigo trainer Shane Fliedner has unraced filly Sarsaparilla in the event.
Fliedner has six runners for the day, with his best chances appearing to be Tax Dancer in race three and Bee Jay’s Choice in race seven.
