Mark Minervini is banking on Jason Collett’s connection with Quick Tempo helping to bring out the best in the talented sprinter at Rosehill.
Collett has ridden Quick Tempo in 10 of his past 20 starts, guiding him to a top-five finish in half of those, the highlight a brace of metropolitan-class wins.
He hasn’t been aboard for the gelding’s most recent outings where Quick Tempo has finished runner-up in stakes company at Scone and a closing fourth behind Mnementh in the Listed June Stakes, but Minervini is expecting the top jockey’s return for Saturday’s Schweppes Handicap (1100m) to be significant.
“Jason Collet goes back on this week and he’s had a couple of wins on him in town,” Minervini said.
“He will be a key booking for the horse from my point of view. He suits him really well.
“He has freshened up and is going well and I reckon he only needs an ounce of luck and he can win a race like that on Saturday.”
Quick Tempo will be one of three Rosehill runners for Minervini, along with the consistent Diamond Model in the Midway Handicap (1300m) and Dehorned Unicorn in the Rosehill Bowling Club Handicap (1200m).
Diamond Model has had to settle for minor placings in all three starts this preparation, but Minervini is hoping Nash Rawiller’s decision to stick with her after partnering her at her past two appearances is telling.
Dehorned Unicorn has a tough draw for his assignment in barrier 16, but the horse’s two runs for the stable have been on unsuitable heavy tracks and he gets back to a soft surface on Saturday.
“He’s improved with each run fitness-wise, and I’m hoping he will be competitive as well,” Minervini said.
Jay Ford has the ride on Dehorned Unicorn.
