If he won, as expected by jockey Dan Ballard, he would’ve likely been too high in the ratings to qualify for Saturday’s rich Artesian Express Class 2 Handicap (1200m).

Reformer now has the chance to redeem himself in the lucrative $18,000 race at Julia Creek for Mount Isa trainer Philip Miller.

Ballard said there were issues with Reformer’s saddle before the start of the race on November 14, causing the horse to buck about 100m after the start.

“Maybe that was a good thing though because he would probably be ineligible for the Artesian Express if he won that race,” he said.

It was Reformer’s only defeat from four starts in the North West.

Miller played down the horse’s chances after he drew barrier 12 in the race, but Ballard hoped the awkward starting position would be a positive. 

“It’s a race that always has a lot of interference,” Ballard said.

“He needs to find his feet and he can do that from out there.”

The helter-skelter race is one Ballard is happy to get over and done with, but he’ll like the event a lot more if Reformer can score victory.

It’s likely one of the only big races in the region Ballard hasn’t tasted success in.

“It’s one of those races where you’re just happy to stay on your feet,” he said.

“It’s a bit like the wild west.”

Ballard said Reformer was on the right path towards running a strong race with trackwork indicating the horse was in fine fettle.

Despite Miller’s worry about the wide gate, he has high hopes for Reformer and likens him to his smart sprinter Tap In Birdie, who was being set for tilt at the Cleveland Bay Handicap last year.

“I hope he’s another Tap In Birdie,” he said.

He hopes the Artesian Express is within the horse’s grasp, but admits the quality of the field is unknown with newcomers to the region Man Of Melody, Al Command Shantung Boxer bringing solid form from the coast.