Expectations are high about much-maligned sprinter Snappy Tom ending a 31-month losing streak.Jockey Craig Newitt has warmed to the Danielle Chapman-trained seven-year-old after riding him at his last three runs and says that Saturday's Rancher Handicap (1000m) at Caulfield promises to be the drought-breaker."It looks his race," Newitt said.Snappy Tom, has won five of his 43 starts, but has gained a reputation for being a non-winner with six seconds and six thirds since his last success in May 2

Expectations are high about much-maligned sprinter Snappy Tom ending a 31-month losing streak.

Jockey Craig Newitt has warmed to the Danielle Chapman-trained seven-year-old after riding him at his last three runs and says that Saturday's Rancher Handicap (1000m) at Caulfield promises to be the drought-breaker.

"It looks his race," Newitt said.

Snappy Tom, has won five of his 43 starts, but has gained a reputation for being a non-winner with six seconds and six thirds since his last success in May 2006 - 25 starts ago.

His last two runs have been especially frustrating for his supporters, being beaten a whisker in photo finishes by Happy Glen at Caulfield and Flemington.

Happy Glen won't be at Caulfield because he is waiting for next week's Group Three Rubiton Stakes and Snappy Tom's jump of four kilograms to 57.5kg reflects the weakness of his opposition.

"People have dubbed him a thief because he hasn't been winning but I can tell you he's been having a dip," Newitt said.

"He is not quite up to the good horses and has been stiff to run into Happy Glen at his last two starts, but he gets his chance this time.

"There is nothing special in the race and it is a drop in class for him.

"He is going super and while he goes up a lot in weight he's a big horse and can handle it."

Only the Peter Moody-trained Stolit, who is resuming, has more weight with 58kg.

The five-year-old has done all his racing in Brisbane and last campaign the gelding graduated from a class six win to be stakes-placed three times in the John Power, Falvelon and Lightning.

Stable jockey Luke Nolen takes the ride while Damien Oliver will partner the John Moloney-trained Heresay who is unbeaten in two runs this campaign.