First-up statistics are against Neeson in Saturday’s Southern Cross Stakes but jockey Peter Robl is just looking forward to reuniting with the multiple stakeswinning sprinter.
Robl, who spent 12 months on the sidelines through a disqualification, hasn’t been aboard the Joe Pride-trained Neeson since the 2010 Epsom Handicap.
But he has had success on the gelding with stakes victories in the Listed Hawksbury Guineas and Group Three Tramway Handicap earlier that year.
Neeson is yet to win from five first-up attempts and that is the major concern for Robl heading into the gelding’s return at Rosehill in the 1200m Group Three contest.
“I’ve had good luck on him before and I know him well,” Robl said.
“I don’t think he’s ever won first-up but we’ll be out to change that.”
Neeson is just one of Pride’s autumn carnival hopefuls who will be in action at Rosehill with stablemates Rain Affair and dual Group One winner Sacred Choice both in the feature Group Two Apollo Stakes (1400m).
Neeson has warmed up for his return with two barrier trials over 800m on his home track at Warwick Farm.
“He’s going well,” Robl said.
“His first-up stats suggest he probably can’t win because he’s never won first-up, but he has trialled like a bomb both times this time in and is going into a suitable race.
“He has drawn barrier 10 which won’t worry him because it gives him time to get across.
“Everything is pointing to him running a really good race – except for his first-up record.”
Dual Group One winner Secret Admirer, who will carry topweight of 59.5kg, was installed the $4 favourite with TAB Sportsbet on Wednesday ahead of Neeson at $4.60 while Latin News was at $6.
Robl is also booked to ride last year’s Doncaster winner Sacred Choice in the Apollo.
The jockey last rode the mare in November 2008 when she was in the care of Anthony Cummings.
Sacred Choice finished seventh first-up in the Expressway Stakes (1200m) which was brilliantly taken out by stablemate Rain Affair who is the short-priced favourite to add the Apollo to his growing tally of wins.
“Hopefully they get an inch of rain, that’s what we’ll be hoping for,” Robl said of Sacred Choice’s chances.
Sacred Choice won the Group One Myer Classic in 2010 and last year’s Doncaster on heavy tracks.