Greenness was understandably at play when Better Shape Up debuted at Geelong last month. He should shape up and look sharper second time around at Swan Hill this afternoon.
Whilst beaten a bit too far for immediate encouragement in the race won by Catoggio at Geelong on his aforementioned debut, it wasn't all negative about BETTER SHAPE UP (Swan Hill Race 3, Harry Coffey) in the course of that effort. He was in need of the experience, should be a good deal better for it, and has a longer trip to play with this time around. The addition of a tongue strap can also iron out any issues that may have been holding him back on that score. He's a Toronado, a miler, and moves up more towards that kind of distance now and an easier tempo should see him find a better rhythm. How far he can progress from first start to second remains to be seen, but certainly don't expect him to be finishing out with the washing again. It's probably no more than an average race of its type, Yes Yes Tess having had seven tries for three placings yet a short enough favourite. Presocratics - philosophy entertained before the man who gave us the profound concept of understanding the limits of our knowledge (ie that which those of us involved in horse racing still hold dear!) - is a very likely improver and may prove the more obvious danger.
Whilst beaten a bit too far for immediate encouragement in the race won by Catoggio at Geelong on his aforementioned debut, it wasn't all negative about BETTER SHAPE UP (Swan Hill Race 3, Harry Coffey) in the course of that effort. He was in need of the experience, should be a good deal better for it, and has a longer trip to play with this time around. The addition of a tongue strap can also iron out any issues that may have been holding him back on that score. He's a Toronado, a miler, and moves up more towards that kind of distance now and an easier tempo should see him find a better rhythm. How far he can progress from first start to second remains to be seen, but certainly don't expect him to be finishing out with the washing again. It's probably no more than an average race of its type, Yes Yes Tess having had seven tries for three placings yet a short enough favourite. Presocratics - philosophy entertained before the man who gave us the profound concept of understanding the limits of our knowledge (ie that which those of us involved in horse racing still hold dear!) - is a very likely improver and may prove the more obvious danger.
