Bar raised for in-form colt Swift Legend

Swift Legend has earned his opportunity in stronger company after back-to-back midweek victories, but jockey Jason Collett remains cautious as the colt continues to mature.

The Dundeel youngster lines up in Sunday’s Vinnie @ Yarraman Park Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill, stepping out from recent wins at Warwick Farm and Canterbury.

Collett says the three-year-old has the engine to progress but must overcome barrier 10 and improve his race-day manners.

“He just needs to do things professionally. He is still that bit raw so that could be his undoing,” Collett said.

“He stepped up in trip last time and he was tough and strong . . . but when he got to the front, he was having a good look around. He’s still got more to come in that sense, and he does have an engine too.

“The barrier is tricky, but he is heading in the right direction.”

Collett, who finished second to James McDonald in last season’s Sydney premiership, has posted 22 winners already this term and rides in seven Rosehill races.

His spring haul included guiding Stefi Magnetica to victory in The Invitation following her Doncaster Mile success, though he says numerous near-misses have lingered.

“I’ve had a few misses in some of the big races, which has been a bit frustrating, but I’ve picked up a few Group Twos and Listed races in the last month or so, which has been good,” he said.

“You always want it to go better. Expectation is a big killer, but we’re still going great.”

Elliptical, another of Collett’s rides, adds interest to the meeting. Now with Chris Waller, the six-year-old previously went close in the 2022 Caulfield Guineas and Spring Champion Stakes before detouring to Hong Kong.

He resumed after 18 months on The Hunter undercard at Newcastle, finishing three lengths back in a race dominated by leaders, and early odds have trimmed from $21 to $17.

Compare odds for all Rosehill runners via Australia’s betting site guide.