Canberra trainer Luke Pepper admits he’s been playing catch up with Hill Spy but believes the six-year-old is ready to produce his best at Murrumbidgee Turf Club on Tuesday.
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Hill Spy faces the starter for his third start this campaign in the Tasco Petroleum Ian Reid 2016 Sprint (1200m) but in between there have been problems.
“It’s been a bit of a nightmare really,” Pepper said. “After the Wagga Town Plate we gave him some time off then he only had two jump outs leading into his first run back.
“I had him in the sprint race at Coffs Harbour but it got washed out. Even after the trip - the horse put on weight.
“Then the other day at Wagga I knew the 1000 metres would be too short and it was……just. Considering the weight he carried I thought the run was super. He had a good blow after it.”
Hill Spy was beaten a half-length by Ketchum at Wagga but Pepper has been happy with the way the gelding has trained on.
“I don’t do much with him at home but he does a lot of different work to keep him interested,” Pepper added. “He swims a bit too. He’s thriving on it.
“I’m happy with where he’s at. He’s third up near his peak and I couldn’t have him any better.”
Pepper has engaged 2kg claiming apprentice Brock Ryan for Hill Spy who will carry 59kg after the claim.
