Adrian Nicholls is bullish about Tax Free's chance of recording his first victory of the year in the Scarbrough Stakes at Doncaster tomorrow.
The eight-year-old has been a great servant to his connections, winning 14 of his 39 career starts and being placed on a further 12 occasions.
He ran a fine race to chase home Astrophysical Jet in a Group Three at the Curragh last month and Nicholls, son of trainer David Nicholls, believes the drop to Listed level will see him score.
The jockey said: "He ran well in Ireland last time to finish second to a really progressive three-year-old. He's back in Listed company at Doncaster and he should be there with every chance. I think he'll win if he runs as well as he did last time, to be honest.
"He's had a lighter campaign than usual and he's in great form. He's very consistent and the soft ground wouldn't bother me too much as he's won on it before and he goes on anything really. All he does is want to win, so I'm looking forward to it."
Tim Etherington's Burning Thread tops the weights after winning the Listed Scurry Stakes at Sandown on his latest appearance back in June, but the trainer is under no illusions about his task against seasoned campaigners.
He said: "He's still coming on and I think he'll be an even better horse next year. He's still not quite mature and the problem with a horse like this is where to go next.
"He's got a 3lb penalty, which is pretty tough against some of these older sprinters. I'm very happy with him and I feel he's in great form, so if he runs well against these horse then that will set him up nicely for next year.
"We gave him time to develop after his last run and I think he has done as he's stronger and thicker now. The ground would be a big concern because I think he bounces off it when it's quick, but we'll see. He's a fair horse and I'm delighted with him."
