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By Ray Hickson

Whether or not punters believe an 11 length maiden win against three rivals is flattering, jockey Andrew Adkins is adamant emerging three-year-old Ninja is well above average.

Jockey Andrew Adkins (Pic: Bradley Photos).

That view is set to be tested when Ninja steps out as favourite in the Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1300m) at Rosehill on Saturday.

Adkins has enjoyed a successful winter with a string of city winners, highlighted by his association with promising gelding King’s Secret and a stakes win on Touristic in the Lord Mayors Cup, and he’d like to think Ninja can continue that momentum.

The Michael Freedman-trained youngster was beaten on debut at Kensington but showed his true colours with the runaway heavy track Kembla Grange win where Adkins said he’d clearly learned from his first day at the races.

“I thought he would have went there and won his first start but the race craft wasn’t there then he went to Kembla and dictated the race, he obviously liked the track, and he won like that,’’ he said.

“I think he’ll take a lot of confidence out of it, I know he’s got ability.

“Whether targeting the bigger races just yet might be a bit too soon I’m not too sure but you’d have to reassess after Saturday if he can go there and win again.”

Ninja, $1.95 with TAB on Thursday, was slowly away at his first outing and again at Kembla but Adkins was able to assume control of the latter race quickly.

He’s drawn four in the 10 horse field and Adkins hopes the gelding can help himself by jumping with them.

“It was about making sure he did all the right things,’’ he said.

“He’s not the quickest out of the barriers which is a bit of a work in progress but he’s slowly getting better. I worked him on Tuesday and he went really well.

“He’s drawn a nice gate to do what he wants, provided he steps nice and cleanly, and it’s a winnable race for him.

“He’s short odds for a reason and I’m going there full of confidence.”

Adkins was encouraged by Diamond Diesel’s return to form at Rosehill two weeks ago and says the prospect of another wet track for the Captivant @ Kia Ora Handicap (1400m) is in his favour.

The nine-year-old chased Headley Grange home on the heavy 10 two weeks ago to notch his first placing since Adkins won the Civic Stakes on him just over 12 months ago.

“He certainly appreciated getting back onto a wet track,’’ he said.

“I haven’t had much to do with him since I won on him but he improved which is good to see. That track was a factor but Adam (Duggan) did say post race it was the best he’s looked all preparation.

“He’s a massive horse and takes a few runs to really strip fit, he looked great and he ran great.”

Ninja wins at Kembla Grange on August 1

It’s up to Diamond Diesel to consolidate on that improved performance but Adkins said the ingredients are there for him to have his chance.

“He’s got fitness on his side taking on those horses that are first-up, it’s not an easy race and he hasn’t drawn the best to make it easy but the light weight is on his side,’’ he said.

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday’s Rosehill meeting