Bernabeu showed Nash Rawiller something special from the moment he first rode him.
A trackwork gallop last year convinced Rawiller the three-year-old would measure up to the big time.
Bernabeu gets the chance to prove Rawiller right when he reunites with Sydney’s premier jockey in the Group One Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on Saturday.
“From the first time I rode him in a track gallop around the inside grass at Flemington last spring, and just straight away he felt like he had something special about him,” Rawiller said.
Bernabeu then came out and produced what Rawiller described as an outstanding 3-1/4 length win against his own age in a Melbourne Cup day sprint, showing his liking for the Flemington straight racing.
Nothing the John O’Shea-trained Bernabeu has done since in preparation for his Lightning return has dampened his jockey’s enthusiasm.
“I gave him a soft trial at Warwick Farm and was really impressed with it. And I think everyone saw his jumpout at Flemington the other day. It was pretty slashing,” Rawiller said.
Bernabeu won an 800m jumpout last Friday down the straight in fast time with Glen Boss filling in for Rawiller.
“I was happy to see that,” Rawiller said. “And I’m just really excited now about Saturday.
“It’s not going to be an easy race or anything, but I’m pretty pumped about it.
“He’s the new kid on the block that’s for sure, but I just think the horse has got something special about him.”
Bernabeu has shown a liking for straight racing and will be out to emulate his sire Fastnet Rock with a Lightning Stakes win as a three-year-old.
Fastnet Rock is the last three-year-old to win the Lightning in 2005.
Dual Group One winner Samaready is favourite and has been the firmer in Lightning Stakes betting.
The Mick Price-trained mare opened at $3.80 on Wednesday and is in to $3.30 with Snitzerland on the second line at $4.20 ahead of Bernabeu at $5.50.
This year’s race has the added interest of two-year-old entrants Boomwaa and Bugatty, the first juveniles for 21 years to line up in the weight-for-age sprint.
– AAP
