Trainer Lindsay Gough’s respect for the judgement of Chris Munce has given him confidence It’s On The Pocket can cope with a stamina test in Saturday’s Gunsynd Classic at Doomben.
After Munce rode It’s On The Pocket to victory in the Queensland Day Plate (1350m) at Doomben on April 17, Gough sought his advice on whether the gelding could handle a further 250 metres in the Gunsynd.
“I ran a few things past Chris after he won at Doomben and when I asked him about going to the mile he didn’t think it would be a problem,” Gough said.
“From my point of view I can’t see why he wouldn’t handle it. He relaxes well, he’s drawn a good gate and should be able to take up a nice `possie’.”
Gough maintains a healthy respect for Gunsynd rival Carmora who was runner-up to It’s On The Pocket when they clashed in the Queensland Day Plate.
“He stuck pretty solid to us the other day and he’ll probably be better suited at the mile than he was at the 1350 metres last time,” he said.
Carmora’s trainer Desleigh Forster has engaged Ryan Wiggins to replace Michael Cahill who was suspended for careless riding at the Sunshine Coast last Sunday.
Wiggins is no stranger to the three-year-old having ridden him to victory at his second start at Doomben in a 1600m three-year-old race on February 16.
Forster was hoping for a better barrier than 11 for Carmora but expects the gelding to take up his familiar front-running position.
“Ryan might have to be a bit aggressive coming out of the machines to get him into a good position and it would’ve been nice if he’d drawn in and been able to roll forward under his own steam,” she said.
Forster believes Carmora’s inexperience was a major factor when he was defeated by It’s On The Pocket.
“Michael wanted to be two off the fence where the winner made his run but he kept drifting off the track,” she said.
The Peter Snowden-trained Proverb is the $3 favourite for the Gunsynd ahead of Carmora ($4.50) while It’s On The Pocket is on the fourth line of betting at $5.50.
