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By John Schell

Consistent performer Microna is poised to bounce back into the winner’s circle when he contests the Fix Auto Benchmark 66 Handicap (1600m) at Nowra on Sunday.

Trained at Warwick Farm by John Steinmetz, Microna is a veteran of 49 starts, and has had four wins and five thirds to his name, but 14 second placings to go along with that.

Trainer John Steinmetz (Pic: Bradley Photos)

“He’s been a good performer over the years,” said Steinmetz.

“Just a little bit frustrating given the amount of second placings he’s run.”

Microna has been placed in city company before, with a second behind Navajo Peak at Randwick this time last year being a highlight.

“Navajo Peak came out and won the Chelmsford Stakes the other day, he’s a horse with plenty of ability,” said Steinmetz.

“To think that Microna ran second to him, well, that gives me some confidence heading into Sunday.”

Emma Ly rode Microna at his latest start when finishing second at Goulburn under a big weight.

“He had 66 kilograms and we utilised the three-kilogram claim from Emma,” Steinmetz said.

“She rode him well and we got a good result. She was available again to ride him this time so we took the opportunity to put her on again.

“He’s down a little in weight and her claim will help again.

“His form last preparation wasn’t the best but if you put that behind him then all things point to him running well again at Nowra.”

Steinmetz doesn’t have a big stable, but the team that he does have are going well, including Dr Evil, which is a last start third placegetter on the Kensington track at Randwick.

“He’s going along pretty well,” Steinmetz said of Dr Evil.

“He’s never too far away and there’s a few more wins in him.”

Steinmetz will also saddle up Hillbilly Pickin’ in the Supporting Bravehearts Class 1 & Maiden Plate (1600m) at Nowra, with Robyn Freeman taking the ride.

“He’s a rough chance,” said Steinmetz.

“He’s only been placed once in 25 starts but you wouldn’t believe it was a horse called Awesome John that beat him at Kembla Grange on Melbourne Cup day last year.

“Awesome John went on to win a derby in Perth.”

All the entries, form and replays for Sunday’s Nowra meeting