Chris Hyland expects Katsu to bounce back at Caulfield

Chris Hyland expects a fitter Katsu to get back into winning form when he steps out at Caulfield.

Hyland is the assistant-trainer for Grahame Begg who has prepared Katsu to win four of his seven starts.

Katsu heads to Caulfield for the first time when he runs in the Take It To The Neds Level Handicap (1000m) on Saturday.

After successive wins at Sale and Sandown, Katsu was stepped up to Stakes company for his most recent outing and as the $1.60 favourite was relegated into third spot in the Listed Bel Esprit Stakes (1000m) on May 27.

Hyland said Begg still has ‘Black Type’ aspirations for Katsu, but that will be dependent on how he performs on Saturday.

He said one thing in the gelding’s favour on Saturday was a jump-out at Cranbourne last week, something Katsu had missed in the lead-up into his most recent outing.

“He missed a trial leading into Sandown last time and Grahame felt it might have been the straw that broke the camel’s back,” Hyland said.

“He had a bit of a gap after that but had a jump-out last week and he trialled nice again.

“That’s his normal process. He (Grahame) trials him about ten days out, but he wasn’t able to do that before his last run as the trials were called off.

“I reckon he’s going to go in there a bit fitter and he’s coming back in grade a little also.”

Hyland said the likelihood of a slightly firmer track at Caulfield will also be beneficial for Katsu.

Saturday will be the first time a meeting has been conducted at Caulfield since Zipping Classic Day in late November.

“That Sandown track last time was a bit heavier than when he won the previous time, so a little firmer track at Caulfield on Saturday will be ideal,” Hyland said.

“Hopefully on the drier ground he can let rip.”

Hyland said Katsu could return to Caulfield next month for the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m) on July 8 or the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) two weeks later.

“I think he has a Stakes race win in him, but it depends on what he does on Saturday,” Hyland said.

“I would say he’s got to come out and win this and then a decision can be made.”