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By Ray Hickson

It looks bad on paper but apprentice Zac Wadick says promising colt Alabama State has what it takes to overcome a horror draw in Saturday’s $500,000 Four Pillars Midway (1500m) at Rosehill.

Zac Wadick (Pic: Bradley Photos).

Wadick has put in a lot of work to get to know the three-year-old in anticipation of riding in the rich restricted race and is preferring to look for the positives, and have faith in the colt’s ability, as they navigate what might unfold after drawing barrier 22 (likely comes into 18).

The Jack Pilkington trained galloper was an impressive Midway winner at Rosehill three weeks ago and with Wadick’s 3kg claim carries just 55.5kg, something he may need to make use of.

“It’s not ideal but it’s not the worst thing in the world drawing that barrier,’’ Wadick said.

“He’s the quality horse in the race and we’ll try and figure something out.

“It keeps him out of trouble, he might not have the most economic run but he’ll be out of trouble at least.

“It will give us time more than anything to find where we need to be to give him the best possible chance. Hopefully we can glide into a spot where he’s happy.”

What Wadick has learned from galloping Alabama State prior to his last start, get out of jail, Midway win and subsequently might well be what helps him overcome the hurdle the barrier creates.

He said watching him win three weeks ago, where Kerrin McEvoy had to spend 200m pushing into the clear before he balanced up and chased down the leaders, was educational and given the barrier he’ll put it good use.

“I’ve galloped him twice now and he’s given me a good feel, he’s a lovely big strong colt,’’ he said.

“If I can let him be where he’s happy, albeit wide hopefully with a bit of cover, and let him stride on and keep that flowing rhythm in the work I’ve done he seems to enjoy that. And he picks up really nicely off it.

“Doing the work and getting to know the horse I’m confident on the day I’ll know what I’ve got underneath and ride to that.”

Alabama State was $6.50 with TAB on Thursday despite the wide barrier and if Wadick can pull of a 10 out of 10 ride it would give Pilkington, who has a small team at Hawkesbury with Alabama State his only runner to date, a big kick along.

Meanwhile, Wadick is confident the in-form Spanish Fox is a good chance to extend his winning streak in the Kia Handicap (1300m).

The Michael Freedman-trained four-year-old has put four wins on end, the last two with Wadick in the saddle, from a maiden at Hawkesbury in August to successive city wins.

“As soon as he broke his maiden he’s hit a real purple patch and it doesn’t matter where Mr Freedman takes him he keeps stepping up to the task,’’ Wadick said.

“In a small field of five and a full field of 14 last start, he pokes his nose out and gets the job done.”

He may be up in class but Wadick said the best thing about Spanish Fox is his ability to put himself in a race and that will serve him well on Saturday.

Alabama State wins at Rosehill on October 12

"He’s quick out, drawn pretty good and he should find the fence without doing too much work,'' he said.

"He’s a make your own luck kind of horse, he finds himself in the first couple and kicks off that high pressure. He’s a perfect apprentice horse to ride, he’s so easy, and he’s earned his right to step up in grade."

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday’s Golden Eagle meeting at Rosehill