Trainers Richard Jolly and Chantelle Jolly will look to add another early season feature race win to their record when they saddle three runners in a Stakes race in Adelaide.
Having already saluted with See You In Heaven in the Group 3 Behemoth Stakes at Morphettville last month, the pair will saddle former Hong Kong galloper Master Eight, Karacasu and Klabel in the Listed W H Wylie Handicap (1100m) at the same course on Saturday.
Master Eight will be having his second start in Adelaide, returning to Australia having won his first five starts in Hong Kong before losing form.
The Jolly’s had prepared the gelding to win a Morphettville trial before he made his way to Hong Kong and were the recipients when the gelding returned.
Master Eight had one start during the April-May Adelaide Carnival, finishing last in the Group 3 Hawkes Stakes (1100m) at Morphettville on April 27 after going too hard in front.
Richard Jolly said the now seven-year-old had been set to head to Melbourne for a race but suffered a slight injury in the walker prior to leaving Adelaide and was instead afforded a let-up.
“There wasn’t much around for him being a 92-rater,” Jolly said.
“I’m happy with him this time. He looks a lot better, and I think they take a little while to get back into the swing of it when they come back from Hong Kong.
“I was quite pleased with his trial. He rolled along out in front and ran the same time as Sghirripa winning a heat earlier.
“He’ll still need the run, he’s not 100 per cent fit, and I’d be thinking he’ll show good speed but be vulnerable late.”
Jolly said Klabel was an improving galloper who had won six of his 16 starts.
He acknowledged Saturday’s race was a rise in grade but believes Klabel is up to the task.
“We’re throwing him in a harder race, but he’s been carrying big weights, so I think he’s earned a crack at this race,” Jolly said.
“He is on the minimum and he’s drawn a good gate, so I’m sure he’ll be thereabouts.
“He’s a very honest horse and doesn’t run a bad race.”
Jolly said Karacasu was his own worst enemy.
A winner of four of his 23 starts, with a further 11 placings, Jolly said Karacasu had as much ability as any horse in Saturday’s race, but did not always deliver.
“He’s a bit of an enigma,” Jolly said.
“He’s a good horse, but he’s got a few people living in his brain and that’s his problem.
“He’s probably got as much ability as anything in the race, but very rarely does he produce it, but he’s capable on his day, but you never know what you’re going to get with him.”
