Pride expects improved Neeson

By Mathew Toogood

SYDNEY, Sept 2 AAP - Joe Pride wasn't surprised to see Neeson weaken out of a place first-up but has warned a marked improvement is on the cards in Saturday's Tramway Handicap.

Neeson may have disappointed some with his fifth as a $4 chance in the Show County Quality (1200m) but his performance was as good as his trainer expected.

"He ran quickly in front and then he tired," Pride said.

"He's not a horse who runs well when he goes too hard and on the fresh side that's what he's going to do, I could give him 10 trials and he'd still do the same thing.

"He'll keep improving as his preparation goes on and I'm really happy with him."

Neeson has never won in four first-up appearances but his second-up record is much better with two wins and a second from three attempts.

Pride said the Hawkesbury Guineas winner would stripper fitter and better for the Group Three 1400m contest on Saturday.

"He just builds towards his best performances so I'm expecting to see a better run from him again on Saturday, but not a peak performance," Pride said.

"I think he can win (the Tramway) but I'm not going in there super-confident because I know he's still got so much improvement in him."

The Warwick Farm-based trainer has mapped out a preparation for both Neeson and stablemate Sacred Choice heading towards the Group One Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick on October 2.

At this stage he believes both horses are right on track.

Sacred Choice will also run in the Tramway after hitting the line well for third in the Show County first-up.

The five-year-old Group Two-winning mare will be ridden by apprentice Tommy Berry while Peter Robl continues his association with Neeson.

"Sacred Choice is going to be in unsuitable races in her next two starts but in saying that the other day wasn't suitable and she still ran really well to finish third," Pride said.

"She's going to build towards her Epsom run. I think it's very important when you're going for these Group One races to have them building their performances and peaking on the right day and that's what we're aiming at with her."

The Tramway will also feature the spring return of Sydney Cup winner Jessicabeel who hasn't raced since winning the Group One 3200m staying feature at Randwick in April.

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