It's all just a bit of recent history repeating for swift speedster Hidden Surprise at Fannie Bay today.
For the second successive time this preparation, the five-year-old has to shoulder the burden of 62kg when he contests the feature NT Motor Cycle Centre Special Conditions Handicap (1100m).
Trainer Gary Clarke acknowledged the searching impost would present a challenge - but that is the card Hidden Surprise has been dealt. "There's no way around it," Clarke said.
"It's only a small field, so hopefully he's not under pressure too much. He has drawn the outside (alley), so he can stay out of the dirt and go as fast as he wants to.
"He carried 62kg and ran enormous first-up, although he ran out of petrol towards the finish.
"He's come through that run, really good, as good as I could have hoped."
Brendon Davis will continue his association with Hidden Surprise, who comes up against Pick Of The Lot, chasing her fifth win in six starts, Alcarntspell, Barstool and stablemate It's Home in the $13,200 main event.
It's Home resumes here in what is his first start since November 19 and, according to Clarke, has next month's St Patrick's Day Cup (1600m) on his radar.
"He's been a bit unlucky running into horses like Dream Face and I Am Magic, that is strong form," Clarke said.
"His best trip is from 1300-1600m - we're aiming at the St Pat's Cup him, so whatever he does first-up is a bonus."
It's Home may well form part of a three-pronged assault on the March 17 Cup for Clarke, who is second on the Bay premiership behind Stephen Brown.
"We're looking to press on to the St Pat's Cup with Out Of The Desert and Glasgow Jim is probably our other chance - he is no superstar, but an old iron horse who has been good to us," he said.
A galloper cut from the same cloth, Mr Knockabout, delivered Clarke's lone St Patrick's Cup success to date in 2008.
The five-race Bay program starts from 3.44pm.
Story courtesy of Gregor Mactaggart, NT News
