TOMORROW’S Cafe Latte Class 2 Handicap (1280m) at the Racing Orange meeting is likely to be a stepping stone for Jaybee Dancer.
The mare will jump from barrier 11 in the last race of the day at Towac Park but trainer Peter Cornish knows she’s not the favourite.
“She’s probably out of her depth a little bit on Sunday because it’s a strong field,” Cornish said.
“She’s got a bit of ability but she’s more of a staying type.”
The four-year-old proved her staying potential in Cowra last September where she won over 1800m.
That’s not to say you should count her out of today’s race.
At last month’s Orange Picnic Races, Jaybee Dancer ran third over 1000m in a tight result.
“She ran a good race at the Picnics first up, we were really happy with that,” Cornish said.
“She surprised with how close she got. She only got beaten by a neck.”
Cornish said his plans are to increase her distance and believes she has the potential to step up quickly.
“She’s surprisingly good winded so we can step her up quickly,” he explained.
“She’ll probably do 1400 or 1500 her next start and then be up to the mile after that. If she goes well she can probably go up to 2000m next.”
But right now, the focus is tomorrow’s race over 1280m.
Cornish said the Kathryn Cahill-trained Tiara Time, which has won it’s last two starts, would be favourite.
However, he’s also confident Jaybee Dancer will be thereabouts.
“She’ll be knocking at the door at the end there,” he said.
“She’ll be starting to get home, well that’s what we’re hoping.”
The wet weather is expected to favour Jaybee Dancer.
The seven race program will start at 1.10pm with the Tilston’s Building Exhibition Centre Two-Year-Old Handicap (1000m).