FORMER Morphettville trainer Luke O'Connor is making the most of his new base ahead of his second trip to Wagga on Saturday.
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O'Connor made the move to Wangaratta a couple of months ago to take up a position as foreman with the Andrew Dale stable, while still training a couple in his own right with a visiting licence.
He will make his second visit to Wagga on Saturday when Barrymore lines up in the Hillis Motor Group Benchmark 50 Handicap (1800m).
Barrymore is a special horse to O'Connor, providing him with his first city win, after purchasing him from the Chris Waller stable.
He expects a forward showing at Wagga on Saturday.
"I only noticed the other day that he's a BOBS Extra horse, which is a bonus, it will be a few extra dollars if he can win on Saturday," O'Connor said.
"He ran well first-up over 1300, then his pattern since he's been with me is that he runs well first-up and then usually puts in a flat one second up. He did that again the other day at Wodonga.
"The sting out of the ground should definitely suit him. He gets in well with Hannah Williams' (three kilogram) claim. With the blinkers on, I expect him to be in the first three and hopefully he should lead for a long way.
"He's one of my favourites. He's like my best mate."
O'Connor said he is enjoying his time at the Dale stable, who also have two runners in on Saturday.
He was also unsure what the Victorian COVID-19 lockdown means for his plans on racing on Saturday but hopes he will be able to start Barrymore.
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