Flemington trainer goes round the bend

Darryl Sherer - Wednesday Aug 9

Flemington trainer Steve Richards is confident a return to racing around a bend will see Knowable bounce back on his home track on Saturday.

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Steve Richards. Photo: Darryl Sherer

Knowable resumed at Flemington on July 22 over 1100m and Richards said the straight course and the way the race was run resulted in what looks a plain effort on paper.

"They went real slow early and he got up over racing which was not ideal," Richards said.

"Under the circumstances to be beaten 3 1/2-lengths behind Hay Bale and Tahi was not a bad effort under the circumstances and he'll be a lot better around a bend on Saturday."

Knowable scored over 1400m at Flemington in January before finishing third to Oak Door in the Group III Autumn Stakes at Caulfield.

One of 52 nominations for the BM70 Handicap over 1400m, Richards says the step up in trip on Saturday is also a major positive for the son of Hinchinbrook.

"The trip is right up his alley, he's not really built to be a sprinter, he's got length about him and there's a bit of stamina on his dam side," Richards said.

"He's an on pace runner and he can hold a position so I'm confident he can get out over even a bit further later on.

"We've booked Chris Caserta to ride. He'll take three (kilograms) off his back which brings the horse in well and Chris came over last week to ride the horse."

Knowable has pleased Richards on the track since his first-up run but is concerned about one factor beyond his control.

"With the rail out 10 metres on Saturday I really want a single figure barrier," Richards said. "The 1400(m) start is difficult enough and a wide gate is not something you want.

"Everything about the race on Saturday is right for him and I think he's up to them so we just need some luck with the barrier draw."

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