When it comes to tucker Little Johnie, chasing a hat-trick of wins on his home track at Coffs Harbour on Sunday, belies his name.
The gelding would eat trainer Paul Smith out of house and home given the opportunity.
“He’s such a gross doer, that’s why I’ve got to gallop him, keep him up to the mark,” Smith said.
“That’s why he always looks so enormous.
“You’ve got to watch closely what he consumes.”
Smith hopes he’s pulled the right rein by starting the six-year-old in the North State Finance Summer Cup (1200m).
“I had him in at the Gold Coast Saturday but it looked a pretty hot race,” Smith said.
“Hopefully I’ve made the right decision staying home.
“He’s drawn good (barrier one), racing good and it’s a small field (10). There are a lot of plusses.”
Little Johnie is backing up after wins over 1209m (December 2) and 1200m (December 30) on his home track.
“He’s up in grade again and gets in on the minimum (54kg) taking on some better class horses,” Smith said.
“Some of the better-class horses are out of form or resuming. Hopefully they don’t strike it Sunday.
“I’m confident Little Johnie should run well.”
Smith got the Beautiful Crown gelding from Kempsey trainer Barry Ratcliff.
Little Johnie is owned by Kempsey real estate agent Geoff Steinmetz.
“I had Little Johnie’s full-brother Little Hughie and when they came back from spells, Geoff sent both horses up to me,” Smith said.
“Little Johnie had issues, foot and knee problems.
“He kept getting bruising in his feet, which was disguising a knee problem.
“Eventually we found he had bone chips in both knees and he was operated on.”
Since the operation Little Johnie’s form has vastly improved.
“He tries hard and is honest,” Smith said.
“He’s as sound as I can get him now and he’s had steady work since last start.
“He worked on the grass Thursday. It was good work. He’s pulled up good.”
Raymond Spokes retains the ride.
AAP TURF
