Trainer Enver Jusufovic admits reshaping Philosopher’s racing manners has been a long-term challenge.
When the Zoustar gelding transferred from the Anthony and Sam Freedman operation, speed was his only gear.
Philosopher’s early racing style was built on relentless pace, often making it difficult for him to relax or settle through the run.
That approach delivered his best performances on turning tracks such as Mornington, Moonee Valley and Cranbourne.
With maturity, however, Philosopher learned to switch off, a development that paved the way for his biggest career win in the Listed W J Adams Stakes (1000m) at Sandown earlier this year.
Despite that success, the sprinter has since gone seven starts without a win, prompting Jusufovic to reassess where the gelding is most effective.
He believes bigger tracks are now better suited and is hopeful Philosopher can show improvement in Saturday’s Sportsbet More Places Handicap (1000m).
Last start, Philosopher finished at the tail of the field at Ballarat on December 6, a run Jusufovic attributes largely to conditions.
“There was a couple of downgrades, and he has shown in the past when it’s shifty, or loose underfoot, that he is not a confident horse,” Jusufovic said.
“He’s got a big action, and he just finds it uncomfortable.”
The trainer has been pleased with what he has seen at home since that outing.
“I’ve been happy with his work, and he’s come back a bit more relaxed this time in, Jusufovic said.
“But I think everything has to go pretty much right on the day for him.
“If there’s good tempo and he can be a few lengths off them, rather than being right up on the speed, that will give him the opportunity to finish off.
“There have been excuses in a lot of his starts recently, but you would just like to see him produce it on race day again.
“My preference nowadays with him is a big track like Sandown and Flemington, rather than the tighter Caulfield circuit, in particular the Heath track, but I’m still expecting him to run well.”
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