Jilliby trainer Carole Eaton believes big-striding Grand Layton can rise to the challenge of box seven and record his second streak of five wins at The Gardens on Saturday night.
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Grand Layton started his career with a second place before a run of five victories at The Gardens late last year. He had three placings but no wins from his next six runs before breaking through at Gosford on March 24.
The son of La Grand Logie has won his next three, all over 400 metres at The Gardens, and he lines up another in the 10th and final event on Saturday night.
"He's a very tall dog," Eaton said. "When I first started breaking him in, I took him to Gosford and his first section was very good, but he would get to the corner and it was like he was walking around it, and then he would come home good.
"I gave him about four trials there and I thought I better try him somewhere else. I took him to The Gardens and he did the same but got around a little bit better.
"I thought, 'I'm over this dog', so I just put him in and thought I'd see how he'd go, and he won all those races.
"As soon as he levels up, he just puts in these huge strides. A lot of times other dogs have caught him around the corner, but then he pings home again."
Eaton was confident Grand Layton could overcome the wide box on Saturday night with his customary early speed. He meets a tough field including last-start winner General George (box two) and the consistent Blocka's Buddy (three).
"I think when there's a dog on his inside, he takes it as a challenge," Eaton said.
She also has Jilliby Zara (box seven) and Federal Morgan (six) in race two.
Eaton expected both to be in the mix and hoped last-start winner Jilliby Zara could continue her return to form.
"She hadn't been jumping that well," she said.
"I think she just got overexcited about coming out, and she's missed it. Then she's been caught wide out of some outside boxes.
"But she went really good the other night and hopefully she can do it again.
"Federal Morgan is no slouch either and he'll be up there."
Also on the program, Guy Incognito (race one) and Grand Carter (eight) each jump from box two for Eaton.