New addition Summons has been a work in progress but trainer Jarrod Austin is hopeful his bargain buy can take another step in the right direction at Kembla Grange on Tuesday.
The four-year-old will go in search of his first win when the gelding contests the Carlton Dry 3.5% Maiden Handicap (1400m).
Summons had five starts for Sydney’s leading trainer Chris Waller for one placing before being sold on Inglis Digital in November.
Austin paid just $5500 to buy the son of Almanzor and Summons has been quick to pay off that price tag after impressing in his first start for the stable.
Summons produced a solid effort first-up from a spell when finishing runner-up to Dunedin in a 1400m maiden at Kembla last month.
“I was really happy with his first run for us, he has been a little bit of a work in progress,” Austin said. “He’s got an extravagant action on him and to see him settle back like he did and find the line was pleasing.
“He got through the heavy track OK. We were looking for a soft track and probably didn’t want it that bad or as bad as what Tuesday could be but he does get through the ground.”
Kembla Grange is rated a Heavy 10 after the NSW coast was drenched leading into last weekend.
Austin had contemplated stepping Summons out over further at his second start for the stable but opted for a more conservative approach given the state of the track.
“We definitely want to get him over further, it was more about trying to find the most suitable race,” Austin said.
“There was a 1500m at Newcastle on Saturday but with the wet weather around and the heavy track we thought the 1400m might be better. He will probably be better once he gets over 1600m and further.”
Jess Taylor will pilot Summons ($7 into $5.50) with Glebe ($3 favourite) and Primo ($3.20) among the leading challengers.
It could be a massive week for Austin’s Warwick Farm stable with consistent mare Terra Mater set to line up in the $1 million Polytrack Provincial-Midway Championships Final at Royal Randwick.
Terra Mater won her way into the lucrative Final by winning the Wild Card at Newcastle on April 3.
“She has come through the run at Newcastle in good order and should improve again,” Austin said. “She has to be a chance on what she has shown so far.”
The barrier draw for the Provincial-Midway Championships will take place on Wednesday.
View final fields with full form & race replays for Kembla Grange here