Joe Pride's Premiere Stakes condender Ball Of Muscle burst back to life in the Group II Shorts last start and jockey Glyn Schofield may have had something to do with it.
Schofield had not ridden Ball Of Muscle for the best part of two years before the pair finished a close runner-up to Redzel first-up over the 1100m course at Randwick.
Curiously, the time Schofield spent out of the saddle marked a dip in form for the son of Dubawi, with only three minor placings in 10 runs.
The likes of Damien Oliver, Kerrin McEvoy, and Brenton Avdulla had climbed aboard Ball Of Muscle during that period so it's fair to say the quality of jockey was never an issue.
But horses are fickle creatures – all trainers will attest to that – and for one reason or another some rider-mount combinations just click.
Schofield's impeccable record on Ball Of Muscle reads six wins and three placings from nine rides.
However, Saturday's Group II Premiere Stakes (1200m) represents a stern test of the pair's affiliation.
"I don't know what it is but I've had a lot of luck with him – he's been good to me," Schofield said.
"He ran well for me first-up but will likely have to improve again up to 1200m in that quality.
"There'll be nowhere to hide on Saturday but there was plenty to like about the way he resumed - he showed good speed and a bit of fight – Redzel had to dig deep to get past him.
"Hopefully he can just relax a bit more now that the freshness is out of him and be fighting out the finish again."
Ball Of Muscle will start from barrier eight in a field 12 on Saturday and is a $9.50 chance with Sportsbet.
