I’ve pretty much decided that I will be backing the Japanese horse Prognosis. I was fortunate enough to get a lift out to Werribee earlier in the week with my apprentice to have a look at the international horses. I marked Prognosis as being fit and keen. He’s not in the tie-ups when I go looking but I find him walking alone around the top small ring. He’s a relaxed walker, in a rug, and is doing numerous laps. He’s still there when I check back an hour or so later. In the tie-ups Pride of Jenni is cribbing, or biting on the woodwork of the stall. I don’t like this behaviour as I prefer my horses to have no vices. Via Sistina is nibbling on the chain of the tie-up. Nibbling has a behavioural handicap of -1 per cent in the book but I guess since this isn’t football it is quite OK to ignore the one percenters. In the parade ring Via Sistina looks good with her head down while the favourite is bandaged on all four in the Japanese custom. I don’t get to see them in the yard.

Via Sistina streets them and obviously benefited from her three lap gallop a few days ago. Prognosis is no match but runs on well for second. I was quite happy with $1.70 for the place on the tote with a 1.15 multiplier which gave me $1.95. However I’m afraid I sustained a small loss for the day with two unsuccessful bets earlier on the card.

But I’m ready now. Primed for The Cup!

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