The perfect barrier and three-kilogram claim can offset the big weight for South Australian galloper Arkham Knight at Sandown today.
Arkham Knight has remained in Melbourne after finishing third at Sandown earlier this month and missing a run at Caulfield last weekend could be a blessing.
The seven-year-old was heavily backed and beaten 5.7 lengths behind Sir Kalahad last time out, but the fact Wilmot Pass only just got past him late, coupled with the fact he meets that horse 2.5kg at the weights, gives trainer John Macmillan confidence going in.
“There was a leader bias all day and Wilmot Pass only just nutted him on the line (for second),’’ MacMillan said.
“He was probably exposed a little earlier than he needed.
“After this last run he stayed over there to run at Caulfield last weekend, but when he was emergency we thought we’d enter here.
“I don’t think the weight will be an issue after the claim,’’ he said.
Macmillan said despite having won in heavy conditions, the soft conditions at Sandown should be ideal for the horse who has won seven races and banked more than $340,000 in prizemoney.
“I’m not really worried about that track,’’ Macmillan said.
“People seem to think he’s best is on heavy tracks, but he’s won on a good track and I think anything in the soft range suits.
“He’s a genuine winning chance, he should be running top three,’’ he said.
There will also be in interest with South Australian pair Oh Mo and Dazzling Damsel stepping out later in the day.
Oh Mo debuts for Cindy Alderson after previously being with Sam Burford at Murray Bridge and hasn’t raced since running fourth behind Lord Vladivostok in the Group 3 R A Lee Stakes at Morphettville in May, while Dazzling Damsel draws a wide gate for the Will Clarken stable.
