Despite a horror draw, trainer Stephen Farley remains upbeat Gazza Guru can still win Thursday’s $70,000 Coffs Harbour Cup.
Far from being deflated, Wyong-based Farley believes the gelding’s noted turn of foot on a dry racing surface can make all the difference in the 1600m feature.
“The barrier’s (16) not ideal, obviously, but it’s not the end of the world,” Farley said.
“There’s a 600 metre-odd run to the first turn and if the track races the right way, giving backmarkers an even chance, Gazza Guru has a very good turn of foot, he can finish off his races.
“He can show that, be more effective on a good track than if it was slow.
“At the moment the Coffs Harbour track is one of the fairest I’ve seen in years. If you’re good enough, you can win from anywhere.”
Farley said he would watch racing patterns on Wednesday and the early races on Thursday before formulating a plan for jockey Glenn Lynch.
Gazza Guru hasn’t raced since brilliantly winning the South Grafton Cup (1600m) on July 10.
Farley, the trainer of this year’s Stradbroke winner Sincero who is scheduled to trial at Randwick on August 19 before resuming in the $125,000 Tramway Stakes at Randwick on September 3, said he couldn’t be happier with the Gazza Guru’s progress.
“The horse is very, very good, I couldn’t be happier going into the race,” Farley said.
“He came home after Grafton, had a bit of a freshen-up and I’ve just kept him happy, ticking over.
“He worked at home Saturday. His work was just as good if not better than before he won the South Grafton Cup.
“The horse is fit and done very well.”
Farley had planned the South Grafton Cup, Coffs Harbour Cup and $60,000 Taree Cup (2000m) on August 21 for Gazza Guru before he began this preparation.
“It was an ideal series of races, perfect for him,” Farley said.
“So far so good. We’re just going to need some luck at the right time Thursday but I’m confident if Gazza gets a crack at them in the straight, he can be right in the finish.”
Wagga Guineas and Sawtell Cup winner Southern Shimmer, from the Ross Stitt yard, retains favouritism after drawing ideally in barrier five.
AAP TURF
