The experience of jockey Dale Spriggs will play a vital role when he is legged aboard Cardgames at Taree on Monday.Cardgames, trained by Todd Howlett, lines up in the Tooheys Extra Dry Benchmark 65 Handicap (1000m)."Cardgames is an easy horse to deal with, but he needs an experienced rider," Howlett said."He can tend to get up on the bit early."He's not a horse for inexperienced riders and Dale knows the horse which is a big plus."Novacastrian Spriggs, who has a good book of rides at Taree, fits

The experience of jockey Dale Spriggs will play a vital role when he is legged aboard Cardgames at Taree on Monday.

Cardgames, trained by Todd Howlett, lines up in the Tooheys Extra Dry Benchmark 65 Handicap (1000m).

"Cardgames is an easy horse to deal with, but he needs an experienced rider," Howlett said.

"He can tend to get up on the bit early.

"He's not a horse for inexperienced riders and Dale knows the horse which is a big plus."

Novacastrian Spriggs, who has a good book of rides at Taree, fits Howlett's bill.

Howlett elected to take the six-year-old to Taree, looking for a drop in class in the hope of returning the gelding to the winner's list following two strong performances on the provincial circuit.

Cardgames, a winner of five from 29 starts, resumed with an encouraging third behind Country Tide and Ballymorrough in a 900m Benchmark 70 Handicap at Newcastle on November 7, before a last start sixth to Miss Shalaquing over 1000m at Wyong on November 26, beaten less than two lengths.

Howlett has had the son of High Rolling for over 12 months after he was previously prepared by Dianne Lumsden.

"(Owner) Peter Hall rang me one day and asked if I'd like to train him," Howlett said.

"He had good form early then went right off the boil but since he's been with me he's been pretty consistent.

"He's a real trier, honest.

"He's a big, strong horse, doesn't need a lot of fast work, he does a lot of swimming and the key is to get him fit with slow work then keep him fresh. He likes to race on the fresh side.

"It does look a nice race for him tomorrow. I've just kept him ticking over since Wyong.

"He's drawn well (barrier three), can race handy and he's not facing the same class of horses he meets around home."

Howlett recently shifted from Singleton in the Hunter Valley to a 50-acre property at nearby Lower Belford.

"We've got a 1000 metre sand track with an uphill incline, a treadmill and other facilities," Howlett said.

"I've been there two months. The horses seem to appreciate the environment."