A powerful run over 3000m at a foggy Sandown yesterday morning lifted spirits after an indifferent workout on Thursday threw some doubts over the four-year-old’s Cup campaign.

“He’s back in the ball game,” Boss said after the run.“He gave me a triple-A feel today, he’s bounced back.

He’s obviously a tough horse.“I’m rapt I am able to get that feel he gave me.”

The triple Melbourne Cup-winning jockey says his confidence in the former Coolmore-owned entire has been boosted by regular phone chats with his Irish rider Johnny Murtagh who assures Boss he is “a genuinely good horse”.

Trainer David Hayes was buoyed by the run and the rapport established between Boss and Changin-goftheguard.“I was very keen for Glen to ride him this morning, just to get the feel,” Hayes said.

“If a jockey doesn’t feel he can win, it’s hard to win. Glen’s probably more confident than me.

”Hayes dismissed Thurs-day’s run. “I wouldn’t read anything into that gallop. I’d read more into today's gallop," he said.

For more of this story, purchase your copy of Thursday’s Sunraysia Daily 2/11/2009.