The topical tip for this time of year is definitely well cared for. Taxmeifyoucan receives plenty of attention in the Warwick Farm stable of group 1 winning trainer Greg Hickman.
“We have a few issues, he does get a sore back every now and again, they can’t stay sound all the time,” Hickman said on Friday.
“We manage it, he doesn’t race unless I think he is right to go.”
Taxmeifyoucan was scratched from Rosehill last Saturday but “is right to go” at Randwick today.
The handicapper slugged the rising five-year-old with 62kg but carrying weight is not unusual for Taxmeifyoucan.
“He won a two-year-old race at his third start and then won the Scone Guineas,” Hickman said.
“He copped an on-going penalty for it but the handicapper did say ‘if you don’t like it you can give the money back’.
“He picked up $300,000 and we copped the handicappers tip.”
The Scone Guineas win arrived at start number 10 and there have been eight more for the gelding purchased out of the Inglis sale ring for $160,000.
Taxmeifyoucan has missed picking up a pay cheque on only four occasions and the return to connections has been $539,730 which averages out at $29,984 a start.
“I thought this was a better option than last Saturday,” Hickman said.
“He likes his races spaced, he likes being kept fresh. He is the best horse in the race, that’s why he has got the weight he has.
“I thought this was a good race to pick up $40,000 if we can.”
Another positive for Hickman is the booking of champion apprentice Sam Clipperton who is out to win a second junior title and he still claims 1.5kg.
“Sam has been riding in outstanding form and he rides a lot for me,” Hickman said.
“He is getting to the end of his apprenticeship and I’d like to see him out ride his claim, he only needs about six more wins and I’d like to think we can help him.
“I think he’ll make the transition to the senior ranks very easily.”
Accompanying Taxmeifyoucan across town will be the six-year-old mare and stablemate Jarilee which is the winner of four from 29 and $100,810 in stakes.
“This is her fourth run back in and she is fit,” Hickman said in regard to the outsider in the eight horse race.
“She likes to race on the pace and her run was OK the other day. She was caught wide which never helps.
“It would have been better if she had been able to go forward and take up a position.
“Her work has been excellent and she is a chance in one of those races where if you were to send them round every week you’d get a different winner.”
By Craig Young
