Trainer Robert Agnew believes Show ‘Em Howl has the ability to be a Country Championships contender next year but would be content if his lightly-raced talent won his way out of calculations for the series this winter.
Agnew is preparing to bring his untapped talent back to town to target one of two races on Winter Stakes day at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday as he looks to build on his competitive early record of two wins from five starts.
Show ‘Em Howl gave a glimpse of his potential the last time he was in town with an eye-catching fourth behind the speedy Calico Miss in Highway grade.
“I feel off his Highway run two weeks ago, I could win a Country Championships heat over 1200m at Port Macquarie first-up,” Agnew said.
“I could give him a few starts this preparation and then put him away.
“We have runs and wins up the sleeve to play with but if he was to win the Benchmark 72 on Saturday then moving forward two weeks later he is going to be better for the 1500m.
“So if he was to win two in two weeks, I wouldn’t be waiting for the Championships because as nice as a race as it is, he would be third-up on four wins and I couldn’t put him in the garage until February.”
Show ‘Em Howl ($8) is the seventh emergency in the TAB Highway Class 3 Handicap (1300m) but has also accepted in the The Agency Real Estate Benchmark 72 (1300m) on the same card.
Agnew holds no fears running Show ‘Em Howl in the tougher assignment if scratchings don’t get him a Highway start.
“I definitely think he is up to that level,” he said.
‘There is some nice horses in it but I definitely think he is capable.
“I wanted to stick to Highway this week and go to the 72 in two weeks time because he doesn’t have any Highway options coming up.
“Everyone says he is a nice 1400m to a mile horse so I would love to take him over 1500m in two weeks time.
“If it’s really wet, I’d rather the 1200m and not the 1300m.”
Apprentice Anna Roper has been booked to pilot Show ‘Em Howl in both races.
Original Article
Trainer Robert Agnes saddles up Show ‘Em Howl at Rosehill | Herald Sun
