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Ihtsahymn's stocks rise

An improved last-start performance and ideal barrier draw have given trainer Fred Kersley a confidence boost ahead of Ihtsahymn's tilt at the $250,000 CB Cox Stakes (2100m) at Ascot.

Despite struggling to recapture his best form after a taxing three-year-old campaign, Ihtsahymn showed positive signs in the Group 1 Kingston Town Classic (1800m) last Saturday week.

The reigning WA horse of the year was forced back to last from barrier 14, but hit the line strongly when eighth, beaten three lengths behind Moriarty.

The winner of last year's WA Guineas (1600m), Kingston Town Classic and Cox Stakes fared well when drawing barrier six for Saturday's feature.

Steven Parnham jumps back on the four-year-old after electing to ride Guineas winner Rommel in the Kingston Town.

Paul Harvey, who filled in on Ihtsahymn, has been booked to ride the Dan Morton-trained Strike The Stars.

"He's clearly struggling to find his best form," Kersley said.

"We live in hope in this game.

"His last run was reasonably good. He made up a lot of late ground.

"His trackwork suggests he'll run a good race and the barrier certainly does help.

"He's proven over ground and the 2100 should work in his favour.

"It's just a question whether he can get back to his best."

Ihtsahymn will become the first back-to-back winner of the Cox Stakes since Tropical Chief in 1975-76 if successful on Saturday.

Kersley said the Ihtiram gelding was likely to progress to the $500,000 Golden River Developments Perth Cup (2400m) on January 1.

"If he runs a good race he will," Kersley said.

"We'd like to go to the cup."

Ihtsahymn is a $10 Cox Stakes chance with the TAB.

Balmont Girl, the $3.60 favourite, has also been entered for Saturday's $100,000 WA St Leger (2100m).

Trainer Paula Wagg was set to decide overnight which race Balmont Girl would contest.

Racing and Wagering WA took the unusual step of extending nominations overnight for the St Leger, the $100,000 RS Crawford Stakes (1000m) and two restricted handicaps.

The St Leger and Crawford attracted just six and eight entries respectively.

Barrier draws for the four races will take place when nominations close at 8am today.

Travinator and Benito, a last-start winner of the Thunderbolt 1000 (1000m), headline the Crawford field.

Harvey has picked up the ride on Benito.

Belmont Guineas (1600m) and Belmont Oaks (2000m) winner Tick Tick Bloom will resume in a 1600m race for 66-plus rated gallopers.

"His trackwork suggests he'll run a good race and the barrier certainly does help.""Ihtsahymn's trainer *Fred Kersley *