Philosopher set to rebound at Caulfield

Turning Philosopher from a headstrong speedster into a more measured racehorse has required patience from Enver Jusufovic and his stable.

The son of Zoustar arrived from the Anthony and Sam Freedman camp with one defining trait — explosive speed.

Early in his career, Philosopher found it difficult to settle, often overracing and burning energy unnecessarily.

That style suited tighter tracks including Mornington, Moonee Valley and Cranbourne, where he could dictate terms.

As he matured, the gelding learned to relax, a shift that culminated in his biggest career success in the Listed W J Adams Stakes (1000m) at Sandown in January.

Philosopher has not won in seven subsequent starts, and Jusufovic now feels expansive tracks are better suited to the sprinter’s racing pattern.

He is hoping to see a response when Philosopher steps out in Saturday’s Sportsbet More Places Handicap (1000m).

The gelding’s last start came at Ballarat on December 6, where he finished last, a run Jusufovic is prepared to forgive.

“There was a couple of downgrades, and he has shown in the past when it’s shifty, or loose underfoot, that he is not a confident horse,” Jusufovic said.

“He’s got a big action, and he just finds it uncomfortable.”

Since then, Jusufovic has noticed encouraging signs at home.

“I’ve been happy with his work, and he’s come back a bit more relaxed this time in, Jusufovic said.

“But I think everything has to go pretty much right on the day for him.

“If there’s good tempo and he can be a few lengths off them, rather than being right up on the speed, that will give him the opportunity to finish off.

“There have been excuses in a lot of his starts recently, but you would just like to see him produce it on race day again.

“My preference nowadays with him is a big track like Sandown and Flemington, rather than the tighter Caulfield circuit, in particular the Heath track, but I’m still expecting him to run well.”

Those wanting to have a wager on the race can check odds and bookmakers at Australia’s betting sites list.