Barry Lockwood is keen to atone for a disastrous trip to Canterbury last December when handy mare Brookton Liaison resumes at Armidale on Sunday.
The experienced Tamworth trainer is still mystified at the mare’s below-par Canterbury performance when a first-up last to Commanding Girl on December 17.
“We’ve subsequently found out she’s not a good traveller, a bit of a homebody, but the Canterbury run was certainly very disappointing,” Lockwood said.
“I thought she’d run well.
“When she came home the edge had gone right off her. Then she resumed again at home (after seven weeks) and strung two wins together back-to-back.
“I’m very happy with the mare this time in work.
“I expect her to run very well, if she doesn’t questions will have to be asked elsewhere.
“I can’t do any more to get her right.”
Brookton Liaison tackles the Armidale Independent Class 2 Hcp (1100m) with Matthew Paget in the saddle.
The daughter of Mujahid, raced by the Red Star Thoroughbreds syndicate headed by long-time clients and breeders Graham Fosse and Richard Chivell, now based at Coffs Harbour, resumes from a 29-week spell.
“She’s been back in work about three months, had a very good preparation,” Lockwood said.
“I haven’t trialled her. She’s fit enough and fresh enough.”
Brookton Liaison has won two of her seven starts.
While Lockwood believes 1400m is her best distance, the 1100m holds no fears.
“We’ve copped the visitor’s draw (barrier 11) but I always thought this was the right race to kick off in before stepping up,” Lockwood said.
“She’s got enough speed to ping and put herself into a handy position early.”
Brookton Liaison suffers from some joint problems but it is a manageable issue, Lockwood said.
“Yeah, she can feel her joints a bit but when she’s right, she’s right,” Lockwood said.
“There’s been no problems in that area.
“She’s a big, strong mare, over 500 kilos.”
AAP TURF
