Takeover Target has taken South Australia by storm, with a big crowd on hand at a wet Morphettville on Tuesday to see the champion being put through his paces in a track gallop.Trainer Joe Janiak says he is used to big crowds watching Takeover Target's every move but was blown away by the reception he received ahead of Saturday's Group One Goodwood Handicap (1200m)."Every man and his dog was there," Janiak said."They haven't seen a horse of his calibre here for a while, so they are all pretty ex
Takeover Target has taken South Australia by storm, with a big crowd on hand at a wet Morphettville on Tuesday to see the champion being put through his paces in a track gallop.
Trainer Joe Janiak says he is used to big crowds watching Takeover Target's every move but was blown away by the reception he received ahead of Saturday's Group One Goodwood Handicap (1200m).
"Every man and his dog was there," Janiak said.
"They haven't seen a horse of his calibre here for a while, so they are all pretty excited about it and that's great.
"He worked good. But it was very hard to judge because the track was heavy, they were getting right into it and it was pretty cut up by the time he galloped."
The nine-year-old was ridden by leading local jockey Simon Price in the hitout.
South Australian Jockey Club spokesman Harry Stoubos said the crowd for the Breakfast With The Stars gallops was double that of last year.
"Adelaide people do get behind great champions no matter what the sport and he is certainly up there with the best," Stoubos said.
"He's got a great following and this morning was a great indication of the interest he is sparking in the race.
"It's very rare we get top-quality horses in Adelaide and when they come they really are appreciated."
Takeover Target is the sixth biggest earner in Australasian racing with $5,828,050 in prizemoney after impressively landing his seventh Group One victory in the TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on April 18.
Regular jockey Jay Ford was replaced for that race by Nash Rawiller but will return to the saddle on the champion later in the week.
"Jay will get here on Wednesday night and ride him on Thursday morning," Janiak said.
"It was a good effort the other day and I couldn't be happier with the horse coming into this race."
The Goodwood will be Takeover Target's final run in Australia before heading to Singapore to defend his KrisFlyer sprint title next month.
Local hero Rocket Man has Singaporeans excited about his clash with Takeover Target after his slashing win in the Group One Lion City Cup (1200m) on Friday, keeping his unbeaten record intact after seven starts.
"I heard about him a long time ago and he looks pretty good," Janiak said.
Takeover Target is the $1.80 favourite on TAB Sportsbet for the Goodwood.