Trainer Tony McEvoy is banking on a gear change and new surroundings to turn around the fortunes of Pelicano in the Launceston Cup.
McEvoy elected to leave Pelicano in Tasmania following his disappointing fifth in the Hobart Cup on February 9 and has elected to add a visor to the horse’s gear for the 2400m race on Wednesday.
Instead of Pelicano returning to the mainland on the ferry following the Hobart Cup, McEvoy sent the gelding to Devonport to prepare for the race.
Pelicano had disappointed McEvoy with his effort at Gosford prior to his Hobart performance and the trainer is banking on the bigger track at Launceston being a better fit for the gelding.
“He disappointed me at Gosford but Hugh Bowman told me to forgive him,” McEvoy said.
“He said he just didn’t get around there, so I was keen to get him back on the Melbourne leg, but I thought he just went through the motions at Hobart.”
McEvoy said reports from Devonport where Pelicano is being stabled are that he is bright and healthy and working well.
“The only thing I can think of is that the boat trip down there dulled him a little bit, or he’s just thinking of other things at the moment,” McEvoy said.
“I think the horse is really sound and he’s working nicely and he’s bright and well.”
Pelicano had time on the sidelines after winning the 2013 Werribee Cup and will be lining up for his fifth run since that victory on Wednesday.
The winner of 10 of his 28 starts, the son of Court Of Jewels will be ridden by Matthew Neilson in the Launceston Cup.
