Trainer Kieran Regan is on a stakes journey with Tin Chooks on Saturday, a decision prompted after the Hvasstan gelding continued his winning ways at Ascot a week ago.
Tin Chooks is giving Kieran Regan a great thrill and he hopes that trend continues when the four-year-old faces career-best opposition in the Listed Old Comrade Stakes (1600m).
Tin Chooks is an emerging talent for Regan who owns a wonderful turn-of-foot, self-evident and put into successful practice at her three most recent performances.
Tin Chooks posted a gritty victory chasing down Lord Gannicus at Pinjarra in February before winning again in greater style at Belmont by three lengths.
At Ascot last Saturday the winning spree continued when Tin Chooks surged clear inside the final 200m before being eased down by jockey, Paul Harvey.
With an eye to bigger race targets later this year, Regan says it’s a good time and opportunity to test Tin Chooks in stronger stakes company.
“There was nothing really in the coming weeks that we wanted to go to, but he won an Ascot mile last weekend so we thought we’d have a crack,” Regan said to The Races WA.
“While he’s in form have a crack and it gives us two and a half weeks which is ideal for the horse into the Diggers Cup if all goes well.
“If he goes well and pulls up well, I want to try him over the 1800m, we’ll be having a crack at it.
“He seems to get better the better the quality you put him in.
“He’s ticked off that Ascot box which opens up a wide range of races towards the end of the year in October and November.
“He’s surprising me each time, I never thought I’d see this horse run away from the field like he did on Saturday.
“He keeps improving, the horse is happy, he’s in a good vein of form, in a good head space and enjoying everything at the moment.”
Tin Chooks has been heavily backed into favouritism for the Old Comrade Stakes, Tabtouch punters sharing Regan’s high optimism.
Shortening from $8.50 to $5 with betting apps, Tin Chooks is at the top of the market with Sisu Warrior, Mood Swings, Mojo Rhythm and Weaponson at $6.
Regan’s only minor caveat to punters is how Tin Chooks will handle a stakes bid coming off a seven-day turnaround for the first time.
“The only query is the seven days,” Regan said.
“He’s done 10-days which didn’t really work out, but he did have problems in those 10-days.
“On all accounts he hasn’t missed a beat since Saturday and I’ve had him down the beach.
“He’s bouncing out of his skin this morning (Wednesday).”
Tin Chooks has drawn barrier five in the Old Comrade Stakes with Steven Parnham accepting the prized mount.
Tin Chooks is on the 54kg minimum, 4.5kg less than what he carried for Paul Harvey last week.