By MIKE DILLON
Leo Cowan admits he has left it a bit late to try Indian Chant as a middle distance horse, but says he has been a victim of circumstance.
Eight-year-old Indian Chant gets his first run past 1600m in tomorrow's 2000m Fayette Park 2000 at Te Rapa.
Indian Chant has not run beyond 1400m in three starts this campaign, but Cowan is confident his smart veteran can manage a real showing.
"It's something we have been thinking of for some time, but he's had so many problems with his legs that we haven't been able to keep a campaign going long enough to try him at a middle distance."
Cowan decided to give Indian Chant this race after seeing him outpaced in a 1.22 1400m behind One Under at Te Rapa last Saturday.
"He didn't finish that far from them, but they went too fast for him."
The No 1 barrier should allow Peter Johnson to bury Indian Chant until late in the home straight.
"He's done well since last week.
"It might be a bit of trial and error, but I think he'll run a hell of a race," said Cowan.
Majoubah will find this event considerably easier than the Waikato Gold Cup last weekend. Even though she wilted late in the cup she still managed to turn a respectable effort.
Esprit De Corps has overcome a few problems since last racing and showed he was ready to do something after a seven week break by winning a 1400m barrier trial at Cambridge.
He will carry 58kg, but is the class horse of the field on left-handed tracks.
Mr Emperor is due a win and even with 58kg topweight, he gets a good opportunity in the Grosvenor 1600, a race which is a fair bit easier than his recent attempts.
Mr Emperor drew the outside barrier against One Under at Te Rapa last week and after being slow early and being caught wide in the middle stages he finished only five and a half lengths away in what was a slick race.
The conditions of this three-to-six wins race suit him better than the ones he has tried recently and the way he has been finishing off over 1400m, the step to 1600m should be perfect.
Racing: Indian Chant given middle distance try
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