Local trainer Nick Chambers has never before had a Taree Cup runner but will saddle up a realistic chance in Sunday’s $50,000 feature.
Island Dane, the star of Chambers’ boutique stable with Allison Threadwell taking the reins, is poised to provide a fairytale result for the duo and owner Moira Munroe.
A 10-time winner from 45 starts, the six-year-old gelding enters uncharted waters over 2000m for the first time but Chambers is confident the horse bred to fulfil a dream of Munroe’s late husband can provide a fitting result.
“There’s not much of him but he’s just a real racehorse, loves it,” Chambers said of the son of Home On The Grange.
“For Moira, winning the Cup would be fantastic.
“Her late husband always had a dream to buy and race a horse.
“She went out and bought a broodmare (Bloomers, by Blazing Saddles) who hadn’t thrown much and got Island Dane.
“Her husband might have a bit of an angel’s touch.”
Munroe is taking a party of 20 people to the track, hoping for what would be a sentimental win.
Chambers, who has owned a property at nearby Wauchope for a decade, commenced training at Taree five years back.
Cup success has ensued with Island Dane winning the Krambach and Wingham Cups last year at the spacious NSW mid-north coast track.
Chambers admitted the Taree Cup was an afterthought for Island Dane, described by the trainer as a bulldog who puts in 100 per cent even in trackwork.
“It’s usually run in August but after he won second-up over 1200 metres this preparation I knew he’d come up well and decided to target the Cup,” he said.
“He’s won several times over 1600 metres. I’ve always believed he’d handle 2000 metres.
“A lot of people said he fell in last start at Taree but he wasn’t concentrating and when he saw the other horse (Marlu Gold) coming, he pricked his ears, knuckled down again and fought back to win.
“He’s pulled up really well, looks terrific. He’s in great order.”
Island Dane fought back last start to beat Marlu Gold by a short half-head over 1614m on December 5, his second win from four starts this campaign.
“My only query is he may be one run short for the 2000 metres, I missed a run at Scone with him but he won’t lie down,” Chambers said.
“He’ll give his all.”
AAP TURF
