Punters seem to be pleased an old favourite is returning in Saturday's Group III Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield.
Lankan Rupee will have his first run in eight months in the Bletchingly Stakes but the five-time Group I winner has firmed from $5 to $4.50 to be a solid second pick in Sportsbet's market behind the easing favourite Supido ($3.20 - $3.50).
Two Caulfield jumpouts have the Mick Price-trained sprinter ready to race but regular rider Craig Newitt fears the lack of recent match practice will cost the son of Redoute's Choice late in the $150,000 race.
"His trials have been good without being the Lankan Rupee of old," Newitt said. "He always runs well first-up.
"Ever since he's been a gelding, I can't recall him running badly without an excuse.
"He'll acquit himself well but the (lack of) race fitness might come into play late in the race."
Lankan Rupee has drawn barrier nine but Newitt expects the likes of Tashbeeh and Charmed Harmony to set a strong enough speed to enable him to find his mount cover, which could be vital with the forecast strong winds at Caulfield on Saturday.
"He's probably going to get posted a little bit but I'm not going to fight him now," Newitt said.
"He's going to be ridden to run his best sectionals late in the race.
"They couldn't have gone any slower than they did in the Monash because they walked in that but the bigger field with a couple of leaders will help in this.
"If he can slot in fourth or fifth with a bit cover it will be good."
The Robert Smerdon-trained Ability is on the third line of Sportsbet's market at $8 ahead of the Queensland-trained filly Savanna Amour, who has firmed from $12 to $9.
