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Kris Lees is confident The Bopper can return to form at Royal Randwick tomorrow with conditions to suit.
Lees has cast aside a first-up Scone carnival defeat to declare him a definite chance in the Listed Bob Charley AO Stakes (1100m).
At his first run since failing in a Listed 1200m sprint at a Moonee Valley night meeting on March 18 when nothing went right for him, The Bopper finished 10th to Vulpine in the Listed Ortensia Stakes (1100m) at Scone on May 14.
"He was trapped wide from the outside barrier, so it was a forgive run," Lees said this morning.
"Most definitely he can turn that around tomorrow getting back to Randwick and striking a firmer surface (Randwick was upgraded this morning to a Soft 5).
"The Bopper has a good record at the track, winning two of his four starts there and has also won twice when second up."
Lees has given the Bob Charley mount to his talented apprentice Dylan Gibbons in a non-claiming race, though he would not have been able to use any of his claim anyway at 54kg.
Lees also considers his other Randwick representative Animate will run well in the Benchmark 94 Handicap (1300m).
Gibbons also partners Animate, and on this occasion will claim 2.5kg to lessen the gelding's weight to 54kg.
"Animate's two runs back have been pleasing without a lot of luck," Lees said.
"He looks nicely placed coming back from open company, and with a favorable draw."
Lees does not have a runner at his home track meeting at Newcastle tomorrow, but will have three representatives at the feature Eagle Farm meeting.
Hugh Bowman will ride both Loch Eagle (Group 3 Gunsynd Classic, 1600m) and Enchanted Heart (Group 2 Dane Ripper Stakes, 1300m), whilst James McDonald partners Kamitori in the Listed 2YO Stakes (1300m).
"This isn't Loch Eagle's first go at the 1600m as I threw him in the deep end last spring in the Group 3 Spring Stakes at home as a maiden at only his third start," Lees said.
"His latest run in the Fred Best Classic (1400m) at Eagle Farm (sixth to Stradbroke hope Vilana) was excellent from the outside barrier (16) when beaten less than two lengths.
"He is giving us every indication he will manage the 1600m now, and the small field suits.
"Enchanted Heart was really good on resumption when fourth to Surreal Step in the At Sea (1100m) at Randwick a fortnight ago, and is back against her own sex.
"She has to handle Eagle Farm of course, but can run well if she does that.
"Kamitori is a Divine Prophet filly who has been placed at her only two starts at Mudgee and Gosford.
"It's a big jump in class, but worth giving her a crack at getting some black type."
Lees has accepted with Pacheco at both Hawkesbury (1300m Provincial & Country Maiden Handicap) on Sunday, and Warwick Farm (1200m Maiden Handicap) on Monday, but was undecided this morning which race the Hinchinbrook three-year-old would contest.
He also has Our Candidate , Think Free and Mobstar lining up at the Monday public holiday meeting.
Hugh Bowman rides Our Candidate in the 2400m Benchmark 78 Handicap, Nash Rawiller is on Think Free in the Benchmark 72 Handicap (1400m) against her own sex, and Jason Collett has the mount on dual acceptor Mobstar in the Benchmark 72 Handicap (1400m) for colts and geldings.
"Our Candidate ran well though beaten easily last time when third at Randwick as he got going early," Lees said.
"I don't think he is far off another win, and this could be it.
"Think Free is consistent and never far away. She has won at the track, and gets another chance back against her own sex."
Lees withdrew Mobstar from the 1300m Benchmark 64 Handicap to contest the 1400m Benchmark 72, and is confident he will run well though rising in class.
"He hit the line strongly and was impressive in winning over 1350m at Wyong last time," Lees said.
"Mobstar has had only five starts and keeps improving. I'm sure he can run well again."
