Private Dan could be in for a busy week if he performs well at Rosehill on Wednesday, with Canberra trainer Keith Dryden keen to back him up at the same track on Saturday.The six-year-old is an acceptor for the Computer Air Handicap (2400m) on Wednesday and is nominated for a rating 81, 2000-metre race on the weekend."Provided he runs well, pulls up well and there is a bit of rain about, he will run again on Saturday," Dryden said."They've forecast rain up until race day but we'll just see how h
Private Dan could be in for a busy week if he performs well at Rosehill on Wednesday, with Canberra trainer Keith Dryden keen to back him up at the same track on Saturday.
The six-year-old is an acceptor for the Computer Air Handicap (2400m) on Wednesday and is nominated for a rating 81, 2000-metre race on the weekend.
"Provided he runs well, pulls up well and there is a bit of rain about, he will run again on Saturday," Dryden said.
"They've forecast rain up until race day but we'll just see how he goes on Wednesday first."
The General Nediym gelding has two wins and a placing from four starts on a heavy track and has been placed twice in four starts on a slow surface.
Private Dan, who will be ridden by Larry Cassidy, scored a comfortable win at Goulburn over 2300 metres last start on November 21, turning in a performance that has Dryden confident of another strong showing at his next assignment.
"It was one of the feature races outside of the Goulburn Cup that day and he picked up just over $16,000 for the race, so it was a nice one to win," Dryden said.
"He finished the race very strongly and has done very well for us since the run.
"The only problem I have is that he's not that well off in the weights compared to Mr Gilly."
Private Dan will carry 57kg while the Kim Waugh-trained Mr Gilly, who is nominated for Saturday's Listed Christmas Cup, has been given 56.5kg and has three kilogram-claiming apprentice Kody Nestor on board.
Mr Gilly comes into the race after an unlucky second to Obvious Choice at Randwick on November 29.
"I think the weight is very harsh but that's what he's been handed and there's no point complaining about it," Dryden said.
"But the horse is going as well as I could possibly have him going and he can carry weight, he had 58.5kg at Goulburn, so he's still a good chance."
Stablemate De Jetcat runs in Wednesday's Haden Handicap (1400m) but Dryden believes the mare could find the race a little bit too short for her liking.
"Kevin Sweeney, who rides her work and races, reckons she's screaming out for 2000 metres and I agree," Dryden said.
"The sprint has gone out of her now and we think her future is over longer races."
De Jetcat, who has four wins from 16 starts including one at Rosehill over 1100 metres two years ago, is racing second-up after being unplaced at Goulburn in a 1300-metre race last month.
"I'd like to get her up to some staying races in Sydney later on and she'll probably find this race too slick but she is one to stick with when the trips get longer," Dryden said.