Awapuni trainer Ashley Meadows is hoping to get the new year off to the best possible start when he heads to Ellerslie on Thursday with his in-form gelding The Scunner.

The six-year-old son of Shamexpress hasn’t put a foot wrong so far this preparation, winning first-up in September before finishing runner-up behind Hi Yo Sass Bomb in the Gr.3 Thompson Handicap (1600m) at Trentham a month later, and he went one better last start when returning to the Upper Hutt track to take out the Gr.3 Spring Sprint (1400m).

“That was a huge run last time,” Meadows said. “This prep he has improved so much. He started off in an open handicap and then went to Group Threes and he just keeps stepping up.”

Meadows has been pleased with The Scunner’s progress since his last-start heroics earlier this month and he is looking forward to testing him at a right-handed track for the first time in Thursday’s Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m).

“He is looking smart, I think I have got him pretty spot on,” Meadows said.

“It is his first time going right-handed, but I don’t think it will be a problem, I think barrier 11 might be the bigger issue.”

Despite his barrier concerns, Meadows is expecting a strong showing from his charge, particularly if the forecast rain continues.

“I am expecting him to run well. It is a long way to travel, so you do want them spot on,” he said.

“If it rained up there it would probably help us.”

The Scunner will carry equal topweight of 56.5kg, with jockey Kelly Myers retaining the ride. TAB bookmakers rate The Scunner a $26 winning chance in a market headed by She’s A Dealer at $2.80.

Following Thursday, Meadows is looking forward to returning to The Scunner’s favoured track of Trentham later next month to contest the Gr.2 Harcourts Thorndon Mile (1600m).

“He is in the Thorndon, that has always been the main target,” he said.