Big Expectations For Fair Expectation
- Friday, 26 March 2010 04:15
Former jockey turned trainer John Nisbet hopes to further cement his successful relationship with owner-breeder Eric Phillips when Fair Expectation makes his debut at Queanbeyan on Sunday.
Phillips, who races Fair Expectation with friend Alex Burics, has several horses with Nisbet including four-year-old Beyond Expectation who won four successive races last preparation.
Two-year-old Fair Expectation, by Beyond Expectation's sire Bold Expectation, will be ridden by Kevin Sweeney in the Takeover Target Farewell April 17 2YO Maiden (900m).
Sweeney was aboard the gelding when he scored a 900m barrier trial win at Queanbeyan on March 13.
"He won the trial well, although there were only two opponents," Nisbet said.
"The time wasn't that fast (55.68s) but he scored by about five lengths.
"The horse has been with me from the start and in and out of the stable a few times.
"This time up he's going along nicely.
"He's about normal size and has a beautiful nature and temperament."
Canberra-based Nisbet said taking the horse to Queanbeyan to trial before his debut was a plus.
"It can be a tricky track and Fair Expectation has experience around there," he said.
"Kevin thought he was good enough to want to ride him which is good.
"He's certainly got some speed."
Fair Expectation has drawn barrier six and will carry 56kg.
"I expect him to run well," Nisbet said.
"He's pretty forward in condition and has a nice barrier, always an advantage at Queanbeyan."
