Training racehorses is more hobby than profession for Mario Caltabiano these days but that doesn’t mean he has lost his competitive edge.
Caltabiano will start Back On Top in the Hylands Kids Colours For Christmas Handicap (1000m) at Warwick Farm on Saturday and is upbeat about his chances.
“He should be spot-on. He’s won for me first-up before over 1000 metres and I think this race should suit him,” Caltabiano said.
Back On Top is part-owned by Caltabiano’s long-term client Roy Levy.
The pair have enjoyed success over the years with the likes of Listed winner She’s In Demand and her half-brother Capri who won 10 races and was placed in Bush Honey’s 2005 Gosford Cup.
Caltabiano currently has six to eight horses in work at Warwick Farm and says he was hit hard by the equine influenza crisis in 2007.
“But you wouldn’t believe it, I’ve got 10 yearlings this year,” Caltabiano said.
“It’s been very quiet the last few years. After EI we lost a few clients.
“But I’m pretty lucky. I’m 60 now and I own a little property at Warwick Farm.
“It’s more of a hobby, something I do because I enjoy doing it.”
Horses like Back On Top help make Caltabiano’s hobby all the more enjoyable.
The six-year-old has won four of his 22 starts and been placed on another nine occasions for just under $200,000 prize money.
The two-time city winner will be resuming from a lengthy break on Saturday having not raced since he failed to beat a rival home in the Canterbury Classic in January, his only start in the past 16 months.
“He just wasn’t right. He lost a lot of weight and I couldn’t find out what was wrong,” Caltabiano said.
“I gave him six months in the paddock and he is 30 kilos heavier now to what he was.
“He has had a lot of problems with his feet. He’s got bristly feet but I’ve had the farriers work on him and they look like they’re back to normal.”
Back On Top has had two barrier trials, winning his most recent, and he will come into the race nicely after the three kilo claim of apprentice Lauri Wray.
But he will have to overcome the outside gate of 15.
“Warwick Farm does only have one turn into the straight so it may not be that bad,” Caltabiano said, adding he would prefer a rain-affected track for the gelding.
“But I’m sure he will run well. He’s probably the best I’ve ever had him.”
AAP TURF
