Two sides to Lower Manhattan

CO-TRAINER Martin Schrader is the first to admit his promising pacer Lower Manhattan is “far from foolproof”, but has warned rivals not to treat the gelding like a fool either.

A lightly-raced son of Soho Tribeca, Lower Manhattan has a touch of a Jekyll and Hyde personality at the races.

The four-year-old either produces his best or has no interest in the task at hand, as evident by his two wins and a second from six starts.

Lower Manhattan broke stride during the other three outings, including three times at his third start.

“He’s got a bit of ability, but still has a mind of his own,” Schrader, who co-trains with his brother-in-law Brian Smith, said. “He is a good horse to handle, but is just green and getting him right has been a work in progress.

“Things like his hopples, which we’ve had to shorten and then let out again. We also opened up his vision so he can see more horses around him and that seems to be working.

“I wouldn’t say he is foolproof, but he’s getting there.”

Successful at Globe Derby earlier this week, Lower Manhattan will return to the same venue tomorrow night.

With Corey Johnson to take the reins, Lower Manhattan will begin from barrier three, with betting markets listing him as $5 in an open field.

Skinny Horace is the $4 favourite from gate four, with Sheza Carona next in line at $4.50 from barrier two.

“He’s in good form at the moment and Corey has been driving him ideally,” Schrader said. “We won’t be pushing him forward really, just letting him roll under his own steam.

“It is a pretty even field and my philosophy for years is there’s not one main danger to beat, we’ve got to beat them all!”

• story Paul Courts
• Photo Walter Bulyga