Trainer James Peters has already put a line through Mr Hanks’ unplaced run in the Aushorse Golden Horseshoe (1200m), and hopes the real Mr Hanks will step back up to the plate in the other juvenile feature on Sunday.
The impressive debut winner was sent out as the hot favourite in the sixth and final Leg of the Singapore Golden Horseshoe series, but was never in with a shout after failing to tuck in with cover from his wide barrier.
Caught wide for most of the way, the son of Showcasing never took the ground off the leaders on a day not many horses were running on from the rear, finishing a distant 10th to Be Bee, whom he will again clash with on Sunday, as well as the runner-up Charger and the Mark Walker-trained Ferocious, who just like him was a bit of a letdown.
“He had a few things against him on that day. He was drawn wide and that was a big negative,” said the English handler.
“He seems to have pulled up well. He galloped with the blinkers on last Thursday and Vlad (Duric) was happy with that. He raced with them in New Zealand.
“He is fit and does not need a lot of work. I will just give him a soft gallop tomorrow (Wednesday) and he should be fit and ready for the race on Sunday.”
Peters was actually quick to regroup straight after the Aushorse run, immediately setting his sights on the Juvenile Championship (1400m) which will be run this Sunday, as the race for his ward to redeem himself.
The distance is one major appeal for the Oscar Racing Stable-owned galloper.
“I think he will be suited by the seven furlongs. The smaller field also makes things easier for him,” said Michael Freedman’s former right-hand man.
“If he draws a nice barrier this time, I think we will see the true Mr Hanks.”
Peters has again booked Duric for the ride on Mr Hanks in the Juvenile Championship. -STC