MT NISEKO READY TO MAKE UP FOR LAST-START DEFEAT

Fitzsimmons-trained galloper shows up well in training, signals third win is forthcoming

- Brian Miller

It was through no fault of his. Mt Niseko did not put a hoof wrong.

And jockey Chad Schofield did what he had to do. Yet, they had to play second fiddle.

However, on reflection, they were on the day - never going to beat Greatham Boy, who was simply too good. Too smart. Too slick.

And those who had backed Mt Niseko he had trainloads of fans who sent him off as the $22 top pick in the Class 3 1,200m turf event on June 30 - knew that their runner was a "good thing beaten".

Well, all that is water under the bridge for the brave warrior. A new assignment looms on Aug 11 for this well-bred son of I Am Invincible and he will be ready for that sprint over the 1,200m.

His trainer Tim Fitzsimmons, who saddled the quartet in that race where Mt Niseko was beaten, is leaving no stone unturned.

He knows that his charge is in good order but, to get him even tighter and more taut than he already is, Fitzsimmons sent him out for a training gallop on the morning of Aug 6.

And, without much fuss or fanfare, the five-year-old strode out over the 600m in 40.8sec.

It was a humble time but it would have been enough to get the Australian-bred gelding into winning condition.