Blitzar looking to take next step on path to Country Championships

After resuming on Australia Day with a close up third, Wagga trainer Chris Heywood couldn't be happier with how with preparation for the Qualifier on his home track next week.

After competing in three Highway Handicaps last year, Heywood wanted to stick closer to home, and sees the preview as the ideal lead up race.

"I couldn't be happier," Heywood said.

"This is the way I've planned it all along.

"I didn't want to travel him anywhere so we'll go across the car park and race here."

The son of Deep Field has never raced over the 1400 metres of the Country Championships Qualifier but Heywood has been impressed by well he is settling this preparation.

He expects the extra distance won't be a concern.

"He's won over 1200 before and run second over 1300 before and that was he was over-racing and doing at lot wrong too," Heywood said.

"He is more mature now, more relaxed and I don't think there is any doubt he will run the trip easily enough."

Heywood hopes to replicate the type of performance Blitzar put in first up.

However after dropping back to Class 4 company he will have to carry more weight this time around.

"I'd like to see pretty much the same as first up," He said.

"I want him to relax in the run and find the line.

"That's been our goal - to get him to relax - and he has been doing that so we want to try to keep that going."

Son Nick will ride on Thursday, but who gets the ride next week is yet to be determined.

Blitzar has drawn barrier three.

"He has drawn well but it is a strong little race," Hewyood said.

"There are some good horses in there."

Heywood thought Lady Brook was the one to really look out for.

"Lady Brook is obviously the standout," he said.

"She is a quality horse who has been in good form."

Heywood is set to line up as many as seven chances on his home track on Thursday including three in the Rising Star heat.

However after drawing barrier 16, Corazon De Oro is doubtful of starting.

Heywood won't decided until the morning but it still leaves top weight Kruanui and first up winner Our Baez.

He is impressed with Our Baez.

"She is coming along nicely and has come on well from that win," Heywood said.

"She is a bit of an open book still and we thought she would race well first up and to win and win well like she did showed there is a bit of potential there.

"Obviously she going from a maiden to a 58 but we will just see what happens."

Landmine is another last-start winner for Heywood, but steps up to open company.

Landmine hasn't finished outside the top three in his last four starts and the Wagga trainer hopes he can continue his good form.

"It is a big jump in grade," Heywood said.

"We are up to open company but he deserves to be there. There are some very nice horses in that race."

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