Trainer Pat Webster happy with Clapper

Happy Clapper’s two recent barrier trials have shown he is primed for his spring return but trainer Pat Webster is not getting too far ahead of himself.

The most accomplished horse in Webster’s stable is also the most high maintenance with a history of leg problems, stemming from a tendon injury s a three-year-old.

Since being nursed back to health, Happy Clapper has made giant strides to earn more than $2 million with his Group One performances including second placings in the past two Doncaster Miles.

He is the equal favourite for Saturday’s Group Two Tramway Stakes (1400m) at Randwick and so far things are going well.

“His barrier trials show that this is the best he has been before a campaign,” Webster said.

“But it is only Monday.”

Happy Clapper has finished strongly in two recent trials and will have comeback jockey Josh Adams aboard on Saturday.

Webster, who works with Racing NSW as a mentor to jockeys, has been instrumental in helping the talented Adams get his career back on track after a drug-related ban.

But he says he copped some flak when he announced Adams would ride Happy Clapper on Saturday with Blake Shinn in Melbourne.

“I’m happy to have Josh Adams on. He’s riding really well,” Webster said.

“The only two people I have to answer to are the owner and my wife.

“And the owner is also very happy to have Josh on.”

Happy Clapper was one of 18 Tramway entries on Monday and shares $6 favouritism in first markets with Egg Tart and Invincible Gem.

The Tramway will be a stepping stone for Happy Clapper to either the George Main Stakes two weeks later or the Makybe Diva Stakes in Melbourne on the same day.