After a slashing first-up run, trainer Mandie Jones is eagerly anticipating Mpumalanga’s next assignment at Albury on Saturday.
The seven-year-old gelding, named after a South African province, steps out in the Eliza Thompson Trophy Benchmark 60 Hcp (1400m) with Shirley Hunter in the saddle.
Mpumalanga, not a noted fresh performer, surprised Corowa-based Jones with his fast-finishing length second to Riverina Lad over 1175m at Albury on January 5 after a 16-week spell.
“His run was enormous,” Jones said.
“He hadn’t had a trial or jumpout and it was only lack of race fitness that beat him.
“He peaked on his run 50 metres out but just kept coming.
“With a trial under his belt, I’m sure he would have won. He’s come back in great order, looks a picture.”
Jones believes the five-time winner from 28 starts has never looked better.
And she puts the improvement down to a change in his spelling and training regimen.
“For the first time ever I didn’t send him away to spell. He stayed at my place out in a big yard by day and locked up at night,” she said.
“And I’ve been training him different. He’s doing a lot more swimming and working off the back of a cart on the track. I’ve just kept him fresher this time.
“He’s thriving on it.”
Mpumalanga is raced by Sydney-based owner Bevan Campbell who bred the Tailings-Gay Warrior gelding.
Standing 16-plus hands with a high wither, Mpumalanga has been plagued with back and other problems throughout his career.
“Without the problems he would have won more races,” Jones said.
“Even with them he can gallop. He hits the line strongly.
“I’ve been real happy with him since Albury and believe me, there’s still more improvement in him.
“The problem tomorrow is he’s up half a kilo (58kg) and drawn barrier ten.
“Hopefully there’s pace on and Shirley can settle him with cover.”
Mpumalanga’s main aim this campaign is the $25,000 Corowa Cup (1600m) on March 11.
AAP TURF
