Gear change could hold key for Takewing

Removing Takewing’s blinkers could prove the difference between the horse’s honest efforts and winning, according to trainer Jason Coyle.

“He doesn’t win often but he’s quite consistent,” Coyle told AAP.

Coyle will make the gear change as the six-year-old gets his chance to win his fourth race at his 23rd start in Saturday’s Capital Bluestone Handicap (1600m) at Randwick.

“With those older horses that have had them on for a long time, sometimes taking them off can turn them back on,” Coyle said.

Takewing ran eighth in the 2014 Queensland Derby over 2400m but failed to fire in his only other stakes race when last in the Group Three Neville Selwood Stakes (2000m) in March.

His mixed form has Coyle scratching his head over what Takewing’s optimum distance is.

“I wish I could tell you,” Coyle said.

“We’ve tried him over a little bit further a couple of times with minimal success. He’s been over a Derby trip as a three-year-old.

“I think at this stage it’s probably the mile.”

Takewing, a $15 chance, meets Happy Hannah who was third in the Group Three Angst Stakes (1600m) at her last start.

The Group One-placed Happy Hannah gets into the race carrying 59kg and is a $6.50 chance.

The Les Bridge-trained Balmain Boy is the $4.60 favourite ahead of More To Gain at $5.

While Takewing has failed when the bar has been raised, Coyle hasn’t lost hope he can reach a higher level than Saturday’s race.

“I’m hoping he gets back to a stakes race but at this stage if he can find the right benchmark races that are run to suit that’s the goal,” Coyle said.