Begg out to improve strike-rate

The in-form Grahame Begg stable will unveil a new stable acquisition when Howgoodareyou lines up at Flemington. 

The former Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained galloper runs in the Flemington Racing Spectacular 1-29 March (1400m) at Flemington on Saturday, her first outing since March. 

Howgoodareyou has had three jump-outs in preparation for Saturday's return and while Begg is expecting the mare to perform well, he also said the daughter of So You Think would improve with the outing. 

"She's a lovely big mare but we've got to try and to turn the form around, and this will probably be a bit short of the best distance," Begg said. 

"She's going along well but she's had a few issues in the past with her previous trainers and we're trying to resurrect her." 

Begg said he has been patient with Howgoodareyou in preparation for the mare's return outing. 

He decided on another jump-out, on heavy ground at Cranbourne last Monday, to have the mare ready for her return to the rigours of race day. 

"We've tried to change things up with her," Begg said. 

"We want to try and ride her conservatively, so I've got to try and reinvent her. 

"She's going along well, and her jump outs have been good, but I'd say whatever she does on Saturday she's certainly going to improve with the run under a belt." 

Howgoodareyou is one of three runners the Begg stable will saddle up on Saturday as it looks to continue its recent run of good form. 

From the stable's last 50 starters, it has sent out 15 winners with a further 19 placegetters. 

Begg will also be represented by Samangu ($1.95 fav) in the Black Caviar Lightning Race Day, 15 February (1100m) and Reluctantlycharmed ($10) in the Be A Mate, Nominate Trophy (1100m). 

Howgoodareyou is currently an $11 chance in early markets.