River raw but ready to run at Rosehill

Like most two-year-olds, debutant Ride The River is still on a steep learning curve, but connections are hoping he has enough race smarts to be competitive in Sydney grade.

The Bjorn Baker-trained youngster is in the mix for the Ned Australian Whisky Handicap (1100m) at Rosehill on Saturday, while also holding an entry for Scone a day later.

He has shown ability in two recent trials, posting a comfortable heat win at Warwick Farm last month before being ridden out for third behind Koby Girl at Canterbury in his most recent hitout.

Luke Hilton, racing manager for Baker, said the juvenile’s latest trial was reflective of his rawness but he saw positives in the way Ride The River rallied.

“He’s very new and green still and he’s still learning to come off the bridle,” Hilton said.

“The other day, once the other horses got alongside him, he seemed to go with them pretty easily. The other horse (Koby Girl) skipped away on him on the corner and he just lost sight of it.

“But the more they came to him and the more Kerrin (McEvoy) did on him, the more he found.”

Connections made an early decision to geld Ride The River and the youngster has continued to show all the right signs at home.

Hilton says heading to the races is the logical next step.

“He has shown he is professional enough and he’s shown that in his trials. We can’t do much more other than go to the races now and have a look,” he said.

“He will be accepted for Scone on Sunday as well and we’ll have a look at both races.”

Dylan Gibbons takes the mount on Ride The River, who has drawn barrier seven at Rosehill where he is a $23 chance with bookmakers in pre-post markets, with second emergency Switzerland the $3.10 favourite.

The race will also mark the career starting point for blue-blooded Godolphin colt Caravanserai ($9.50), a half-brother to Group 1 winners Alizee and Astern, along with promising young sire Tassort.