Trainer ‘very happy’ with Prognosis heading into Cox Plate
The trainer of Prognosis headed straight to Werribee from the airport and was delighted with what he saw.
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Cox Plate favourite Prognosis has delighted Japanese trainer Mitsumasa Nakauchida on Friday.
Nakauchida went straight from the airport to the Werribee quarantine centre to inspect his Cox Plate charge in the countdown to Australia’s best race.
“I’m very happy,” Nakauchida said.
“He looks fit and he looks and he looks very happy.”
Nakauchida said fast ground and tempo on Saturday at The Valley would suit Prognosis.
“Hopefully, the ground will be Good (rated) tomorrow,” Nakauchida said.
“Not holding, holding (sit) and sprint in the end, just go with the pace.”
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The elite Japanese horseman welcomed the potential of Pride Of Jenni ensuring a solidly run 2040m weight-for-age championship.
Nakauchida has nothing but respect for the entire field, “as long as they are in the race they have a chance”.
“I don’t think it’s an easy race, it’s a very competitive race, see what happens and how he goes,” Nakauchida said.
“I will leave it to the jockey, we will talk tactics but as soon as the gate opens I have to leave that to the jockey, I have to trust Damian (Lane) 100 per cent.”
Nakauchida has kept a close eye on Prognosis from afar since Cox Plate favourite arrived in Melbourne last month.
Progress reports from staff on the ground enthused the multiple Group 1-winning trainer, including Prognosis’s handling of The Valley last Thursday week.
“Damian was very happy with him, he went well and he handled the track, the shape is very difficult and totally different from where Prognosis is used to racing,” Nakauchida said.
“That was the first time for him and he handled it well, jockey was happy, the horse handled it good, so we’re all happy.”
Originally published as Trainer ‘very happy’ with Prognosis heading into Cox Plate
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