Jockey Peter Knuckey is in sight of claiming his first Boulder Cup (2111m) victory when he partners No Say In It at Kalgoorlie on
Sunday.
Knuckey believes the six-year-old can improve on his last-start run when in a muddling run race over 2200m he ran a close second to Spiritaul Warrior at Belmont.
“That staying race wasn’t really run to suit him,” Knuckey said.
“The Coolgardie Cup was run at a good tempo and if we get that tempo in the Boulder Cup I’m sure he is going to be right there.
“His form has been good, this looks a better assignment and he is progressing towards this distance.
“I think he ticks a lot of boxes going into this race.”
Prepared by Lindsey Smith, No Say In It has drawn barrier nine and carriers 54kg, 4.5kg less than his most recent run.
Mitchell Pateman is thrilled to have picked up the ride on Touch Of Silver, replacing the suspended Peter Hall.
Forced to go back from a wide draw in the Coolgardie Cup, Touch Of Silver ran a slashing fifth, but had too much ground to make up
in the straight.
The Adam Durrant-trained seven-year-old has fared a lot better in the Boulder Cup, drawing barrier five in the field of 14 runners.
Pateman says from an improved starting position Touch Of Silver should be hard to hold out.
Touch Of Silver is one of two entrants for Durrant with stable mate First Affair seeking her second consecutive Boulder Cup win.
To be ridden by William Pike, First Affair was desperately unlucky in the Coolgardie Cup after getting held up in the straight.
Touch Of Silver ($3.70) and First Affair ($4) head Tabtouch markets.