Parramatta Cup first-up victory in sights for Just Fine according to Bott
After a trio of standout triumphs upon entering Australian racing, Just Fine has alternated between strong and subdued performances.
Co-trainer Adrian Bott, however, feels the eight-year-old with few starts is primed to revive his top form during this autumn campaign.
In Saturday's Group 3 Parramatta Cup (1900m) at Rosehill, Tulloch Lodge fields Just Fine with Hoo Ya Mal and Campaldino, the prior Brisbane Cup champion, and Bott urges caution from bettors regarding the former.
"I feel he's back to where we had him originally," Bott said.
"His last couple of trials have been encouraging. We're pleased with him at home and in his work.
"Maybe out of our three, he seems the most forward, and the most suited by the race. Hopefully he can show that on his return."
Absent since lagging far behind in last April's Mornington Cup (2400m), Just Fine resumes as does Hoo Ya Mal following an extended layoff.
Hoo Ya Mal, second in the 2022 English Derby, notched his finest local result in a Group 2 Hill Stakes (1900m) placing the following year, and Bott still sees upside in the gelding.
"The talent is there, but he's a horse that does need a lot to go his way in the run," he said.
"I want to see something from him first, but he's got the potential to be very competitive in these types of races."
Campaldino, once from New Zealand, comes back after his June Brisbane Cup (3200m) conquest that highlighted a progressive preparation.
Though spelled briefly for spring without success, connections chose a lengthier break to target autumn riches including the Sydney Cup (3200m).
"He showed enough potential for us to pursue him as a tried prospect out of New Zealand, and he went from strength to strength last campaign when he went through his grades nicely and finished up with a very good win in the Brisbane Cup," Bott said.
"We might have to be a bit more negative from that draw, which will make the task more difficult for him, but he's got a nice campaign ahead."
The outside draw in the field of 14 puts Campaldino foremost among stablemates at $7.50 Thursday, over Just Fine ($9.50) and Hoo Ya Mal ($16).
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