Promising sprinter In The Boat returns to racing at Caulfield on Saturday, but according to trainer, Lindsey Smith, he could be vulnerable first up in the G3 Heath Stakes (1100m).
“It all depends on what the weather does,” Lindsey Smith told Tabradio.
“He’s not a mud lark by any means, he’s just not the same horse.
“It looks like there is a bit of rain for Saturday.
“As soon as he gets on top of the ground he’s a different horse.
“I think he is a risk, yeah.”
In The Boat, who commenced his career in Perth for Smith, won six of his past seven races before spelling.
His peak performance came at Moonee Valley in March when he claimed first time black-type status in the Listed Abell Stakes (1200m).
The Nostradamus five-year-old is amassing an imposing record of seven wins and four placings from 11 career starts.
A trip to Adelaide for the Group 1 Goodwood (1200m) in May was earmarked, but he was scratched on the eve of the race with a heel complaint.
In The Boat starts his campaign on Saturday and will end it on home soil in November when he targets the G1 $1.5 million Winterbottom Stakes (1200m).
“That’s where he will finish up,” Smith said.
“He has to start somewhere and will be vulnerable Saturday
“I know he has a great record, but the higher the grade the harder it is.
“If it’s a good track it will enhance his chances.
“But the pot of gold is the Winterbottom.”
In The Boat had come up with barrier 10 in the Heath Stakes and jockey Blaike Mcdougall maintains his association.
Caulfield is currently rated a soft 6 for Saturday’s meeting.