Which Foujita San will turn up at Ballarat.
That is a question Wayne Hawkes cannot answer before Foujita San runs in the Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) on Saturday.
Hawkes readily admits there are two Foujita Sans.
One that can be dominant in his races and another that can be equally as disappointing.
Hawkes saw the ‘good one’ at Cranbourne on November 25 winning over 2025m and that has prompted the decision to run in the Ballarat Cup, along with the good prize money on offer.
Foujita San was installed a leading fancy for the Caulfield Guineas as a three-year-old after winning his second start by 5-¾ lengths at Sandown in April last year.
The now four-year-old ran 12th in the Guineas before finishing 13th in the Victoria Derby.
Hawkes said the decision to geld Foujita San after showing coltish behaviour in the spring of his three-year-old season had helped turned around his fortunes.
“He should have won in Sydney early this campaign, he then won again and then he won at Cranbourne,” Hawkes said.
“He should have won three races this preparation and not many horses do that.
“Horses rated above 100 can do it, but horses rated under 100, very few horses would win three in a preparation.
“It was a good win the other day, so why not have a crack at the Ballarat Cup.
“It’s good money and he’s in winning form, but there is two of him.
“If the right one turns up, he could do the job.”
The Ballarat Cup has attracted a field of 13 with Foujita San drawn in barrier 9 for Jordan Childs with the track rated a Good 4 on Wednesday.
Rain is forecast for Saturday with between 3-20mm and a top temperature of 17 degrees.
“He’s better on top of the ground even though he has wet track form,” Hawkes said.
“After Saturday, I would think win, lose or draw he would go to the paddock.
“We’ll assess what he’s done and then work out where we punch around next time.”