Winona Costin would prefer to not have to revert to ‘Plan B’ for the second time in as many starts on in-form gelding Prometheus as the pair chase a hat-trick at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.
Prometheus gave Costin, and punters that took the $1.55, a fright when he stood in the gates and conceded three lengths before rounding up his rivals to score a strong win over a mile at Kembla Grange two weeks ago.
It was in contrast to the four-year-old’s first-up win where he was able to sit on the pace and that’s the preferred option for the TAB Rewards Handicap (1600m).
“He’s a bit antsy in the barriers so one doesn’t suit him, barrier nine suits him a lot better,’’ Costin said.
“I’ll see how he jumps, whether I go forward or go back. If he misses it again obviously we just go to Plan B.
“Peter (Snowden) likes to have them on pace but he can do it either which way, he’s a very versatile horse.’’
The gelding’s effort to win at Kembla Grange was a big one, after conceding a start he still ran home in 33.92, according to Punters Intel, for his last 600m.
Key to the win was the fact Costin didn’t panic and she clearly has plenty of confidence in the horse’s ability.
“There’s not much you can do when you miss it that badly, I just had to ride him like the best horse in the race,’’ she said.
“That’s why I popped out at the 500m when I could and let him have clear running and use his great turn of foot to get there. I was going to try to lead but you can’t do much about it.’’
TAB has Prometheus a dominant $2.50 favourite for Wednesday’s race and, with her Plan B prepared, Costin is quietly confident the duo can remain undefeated together.
“He’s been very consistent this prep and there’s no reason he should be tapering off any time soon,’’ she said.
Sydney’s champion apprentice of 2014-15 also reunites with lightly raced filly After Thought having also paired with the Robert and Luke Price trained galloper for a Kembla win on January 3.
After Thought is an $8 chance in the Tab.com.au Handicap (1400m) to open the program but was sent out at $26 as she scored by 3-1/4 lengths at her fourth start.
“It definitely wasn’t a fluke, she’s a nice horse,’’ Costin said.
“I was very impressed with her the other day, I thought there’d be a bit more pace in the race and she began well so I just took up the front and went steady.
“She has a good turn of foot and that’s why she put a gap on them.”
Data showed why After Thought was impossible to catch – she ran the fastest 400m-200m of 10.73 and was again quickest home in 11.39.
Costin said she won’t be afraid to lead again in the six horse field but is confident she could also enact a Plan B if needed.
“I’ll have her where she’s happy and finish off the best she can. If they go slow she’ll be handy, if they go at a nicer tempo she’ll be midfield,’’ she said.
– Racing NSW
