Mudgee trainer Brett Thompson believes the return of Mathew Cahill aboard smart filly Stirring Emotion will considerably enhance her chances at Wellington tomorrow.
The consistent three-year-old daughter of Excites tackles the Ray Boden Painting Class 3 Hcp (1400m).
Last start, Thompson elected to put an apprentice aboard the filly to help reduce weight but the plan backfired when Stirring Emotion finished a half length second to Jayden And You in a 1300m Country Plate at Bathurst on September 26.
“The kid got into a three-way speed duel up front and didn’t take a sit like I’d wanted,” Thompson said.
“The two that took her on finished last and second last.
“My filly kept boxing on but was left a sitting shot for the winner.
“I should have had a senior jockey on. She’s not really a kid;s horse.
“Having Mathew Cahill back aboard is ideal.
“Not many, if any, ride Wellington better and importantly he knows Stirring Emotion.
“Really, I think she’s a class above them tomorrow.”
Stirring Emotion has proven a model of consistency winning three and being placed six times from 10 starts.
Finding suitable races however, has proven a bugbear for Thompson.
“Due to her consistency she keeps paying at the weights,” he said.
“But she’s done great job so far and if I can find the right races, is capable of getting through to open company.”
Stirring Emotion carries 58kg at Wellington and due to her Benchmark rating, gives weight to older, more experienced rivals.
And it’s her first try at Wellington and the 1400m.
“The weight won’t worry her. She’s a big strong type that can carry it and I’m not worried about the track or distance,” Thompson said.
“She’s done really good since Bathurst, licking the tin out day and night and bouncing around out of her skin.
“We considered giving her a break after the last run but she’s trained on so well, she can go around again and I’ll let her tell me when she’s had enough.
“She’s won two races this campaign and probably a little unlucky not to have won four. She ran into a pretty smart horse (Mews) at Dubbo two starts back (September 18).
“Tomorrow she can jump and lead if she has to, if not Matty can hopefully take a sit.”
AAP TURF
