Almost Court springs into Spring

Jones says Canberra Cup winner Almost Court will kick off his spring campaign in Saturday’s BM 94 Handicap (1400m) also at Randwick.

Almost Court shares the equal top benchmark (96) in the race and Jones says he’s ready to go.

“He’s had a nice jumpout and then galloped between races on the course proper in Canberra last Friday, with race-rider Christian Reith in the saddle.

“Christian was excited with the work. He’s believes he’s come back stronger and more balanced and gave him a great feel.”

Should he run well, Jones says Almost Court will likely run two weeks later in the Group 3 Cameron Handicap at Newcastle over 1500m.

“It’s a track that should suit him and some of the better Sydney-trained gallopers are likely to be missing with the Bill Ritchie being run at Randwick a day later.

“All going to plan he will contest the Group 2 Hill Stakes over 2000m at Randwick a fortnight later.

“He’d need to be winning some of these races if he was to go on to Melbourne later.”

Almost Court kicked off his last preparation with a win in the Narooma Cup (1425m) from the speed and Jones expects him to sit handy on Saturday and race well.”