Positive trainer and jockey combinations are a sought-after addition of confidence and with Michael Hickmott and Todd Pannell teaming up again with rising filly Spirit Of Camelot, they could present one of the better punting propositions around Australia on Saturday.
Pannell’s winning strike-rate with Hickmott is currently at 26.4% and at 25% across the South Australian hoop’s last 100 rides.
Their hopes of continuing that run with the three-year-old are enhanced with market support seeing the daughter of four-time Group 1 winning sire Camelot firming early from $3.10 into $2.50 for the Sportsbet Fast Form Handicap (1400m) at Morphettville Parks.
Second-up this time, the filly finished just outside of the main placings first-up at Murray Bridge over 1100-metres on October 12.
“First-up she in an unsuitable race and wasn’t suited by a bad draw (9),” Hickmott said, who is hoping Spirit Of Camelot can follow up Fancify’s victory in the Group 3 HKJC Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day.
“She’s come back well and it was on a track that was playing really quick. I’ve given her a nice break into this and she’s trained on well – really effectively.”
Spirit Of Camelot showed promise earlier this year breaking her maiden status at Ballarat in April over 1000-metres with Jamie Kah aboard.
A third-placing in the Listed H C Nitshcke Stakes (1400m) followed on the Parks track in that same month.
“She’s doing all her work with Fancify so if she replicates that then she should be in the finish,” he added.
“She was unlucky in her stakes race performances. If she gets out two strides earlier then she wins.
“I think she’s for a huge amount of ability and I think we’ll see her in Melbourne in the autumn.
“By her birthday, she’ll turn four in March so we’re really looking after her and I’ve got good plans for her.”