Trainer Todd Howlett concedes stable star Two Big Fari isn’t getting any younger but thinks he’s come back in good order ahead of his first-up run.
The son of Walking Or Dancing resumes in the final race at Rosehill on Saturday off the back of two strong trials – the latest behind Group 1 winner Sheeza Belter.
“It was a good trial the other day, he’s had two now and I’m pleased with him going into Saturday,” Howlett said.
“He is getting older but I’m very happy with him going into this race. He’s not showing any signs of slowing down.”
Spring has generally led to success for Two Big Fari, running fifth to It’s Me in the 2020 Kosciuszko while finishing in the same position in the $500,000 Little Dance last year.
Howlett hopes to get Two Big Fari back to the race in 2023, if not qualify for the $3m Big Dance.
Trainer Todd Howlett heads to Rosehill on Saturday with Two Big Fari. Picture: Mark Evans-Getty Images
“We’re hoping to qualify for The Big Dance or even just get back to the Little Dance, we had a try of that last year and he went close,” Howlett said.
“He ran second in the Dubbo Cup and third in the Big Dance Wild Card so we’ll look to target similar races with him this time in.”
Howlett’s apprentice Maddy Owen legs aboard the gelding for third time under race day conditions.
Owen was narrowly denied of victory aboard Two Big Fari at Rosehill last year when hitting the front 300m out before knocking up late.
.@GaiWaterhouse1 and Adrian Bott are on fire!????
Mensa Missile and @JoshuaParr8 give them their third winner of the day! @FirstLight_FLR also bring up an interstate double. pic.twitter.com/UdJWvfblzx
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) September 28, 2022
Howlett says that experience plus a suitable barrier sets up Two Big Fari with a good chance in the 1300m contest.
“She’s apprenticed to me and works hard so I thought it would be good to get her to ride him.
“She ran second on him once before at Rosehill so she knows the horse and track.
“It’s a good barrier on Saturday as well and he’s come back in good order.”
TAB rate Two Big Fari as a $26 to get the chance on Saturday.
“There’s a few qualifying races for him that we’ll look to aim. He ran third in the Dubbo Cup last year and that could be on the cards again.