Shane Crawford has shown plenty of patience with promising four-year-old Wallen, and that approach seems to be paying off, with the son of Tarzino having placed in his first three starts.
In his debut at Matamata, Wallen was a game third behind the exciting Adam I Am and subsequent winner Suzuka. He then went on to post consecutive runner-up results, including a head defeat to Kenobi at Pukekohe earlier this month.
Crawford has been pleased with all three outings and is expecting another bold showing at Te Aroha on Wednesday where he will contest the Paradigm Civil 1600.
“He has had three really good starts. He has been thereabouts and hopefully we can get the job done on Wednesday,” Crawford said.
“The form out of those races has been pretty good so everything points to a good showing.”
Crawford said the Gerry Harvey bred and raced gelding has always shown a fair bit of ability, which he is pleased to be seeing on the race track.
“He has always looked progressive. He is a four-year-old, so he has just needed that bit of time, and he is really starting to hit his straps now,” he said.
Wallen has drawn barrier two on Wednesday, however, he isn’t expected to take advantage of his inside alley with his racing pattern not conducive to a front-running position.
“I think he likes to get back, midfield or a bit worse, and then get home and find the line,” Crawford said. “It depends on the state of the track whether that draw will affect us or not, but it doesn’t matter where he draws because he is going to get back anyway.”
A future offshore could be on offer for Wallen if he performs well on Wednesday, however, Crawford is eyeing some rich targets over the festive period with his gelding.
“If he happens to win on Wednesday, there is a little bit of Hong Kong interest him,” he said. “But we are looking at Boxing Day with him, possibly the Stella Artois (1500) Final. He holds a nomination for it but whether he will actually get in I am not sure.
“We will have to come up with a plan B in case he doesn’t get in and if that is the case then we will probably run him in his grade.”
Crawford is set to have one further runner this week, with God Of Eros set to compete at either Wanganui or Te Rapa on Saturday.
“God Of Eros will either go to Te Rapa or Wanganui on Saturday, with a preference for Wanganui,” Crawford said. “He will be in a 65 mile if he goes down there. I am looking forward to getting him over a bit of ground.”
The five-year-old gelding will be fresh-up and Crawford is looking forward to seeing what he can do over the summer.
“He is a horse that seems to go quite well fresh,” he said. “He has had a few niggly issues but it’s onwards and upwards with him, I think he will be in for a good summer.”