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By Ray Hickson

With each ride Andrew Adkins has had on consistent galloper Super Helpful he’s grown in confidence so he has every reason to think the Cactus Imaging Handicap (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday is within reach.

Jockey Andrew Adkins (Pic: Steve Hart).

The Group 1 winning jockey has partnered the Joseph-Jones galloper three times, including his third placing in the $3 million Big Dance, and notched a win in a $200,000 feature at Canberra three weeks ago.

He said it’s an advantage for a jockey to have an association with a horse and that was evident in his popular win at Canberra.

“I’m thankful to the team for sticking with me, and being able to get a nice win on him in the Canberra race, it certainly helps,’’ Adkins said.

“When I rode him in the Diamond Prelude I got quite excited going into the Big Dance, I thought he was a great chance and we had a lovely run and he ran accordingly.

“Going to Canberra I thought he was a moral there, that’s why I went down there on a Saturday.

“There wasn’t much speed on paper but when they went out and ran quick sectionals like they did I was laughing in behind them.

“I was just waiting for him to produce the finish I was expecting and he delivered.”

The five-year-old has an imposing winning record of 10 wins from 30 starts but he’s yet to tick off the 1600m box or win at headquarters.

That said, you could argue his third in the Big Dance over the Randwick mile, beaten 2-1/2 lengths by Attractable, is at least a pass mark at the track and trip.

“He hasn’t won at a mile but deep into a preparation this is going to be his best chance to do so,’’ Adkins said.

“I think he’s a great chance, especially coming off quite a nice win at Canberra.”

Super Helpful, $8.50 with TAB on Friday, has the racing style that Adkins said should allow him to give the gelding his chance in the run but in an ideal world would love to find a similar spot to where he landed last start.

“He’s got a bit of a sticky draw but he puts himself in the race so he should be okay with it,’’ he said.

“Hopefully we can find a spot in the second, third or fourth line just in behind them having a nice run. He’s beaten a few of those horses already, they’ll know he’s in the race that’s for sure.”

Contributingfactor is Adkins’ other ride at Randwick and he’s hoping the David Atkins-trained galloper can find his best form in the Precise Air Handicap (1400m).

He may be an outsider in the race after beating one home behind With Your Blessing at Kembla Grange first-up but that was a race dominated by the winner and nothing made any significant ground.

Super Helpful runs third in the Big Dance

It’s been almost 18 months since the gelding’s last win so Adkins just has the fingers crossed.

“He’s a horse that can pop up when things go his way,’’ he said.

“He’s drawn well and he gets his chance from that aspect so hopefully he can do his best.”

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday's Randwick meeting