In-form trainer Kelly Schweida rarely shows much emotion but he admits he is genuinely excited about Meet Mr Taylor taking on a class field at the Sunshine Coast.
Meet Mr Taylor has drawn barrier one in Saturday’s $105,000 Swiss Ace Plate (1000m) in which he faces a competitive line-up of sprinters.
Schweida has a big opinion of Meet Mr Taylor and has been keenly waiting for Saturday since the gelding finished a half head behind Tarzan at Eagle Farm last Saturday week.
It was the first time Meet Mr Taylor had been beaten at 1000m in four starts at the distance.
“It was a terrific run because he drew barrier eight and was caught three-deep the whole trip while the winner had a much easier run,” Schweida said.
“This time we have barrier one and Tarzan has the outside barrier ten.
“I don’t know if that makes much difference to Tarzan’s style and we do meet him worse at the weights under the conditions of the race.
“But the chances don’t stop there and it should be an exciting race. I am looking forward to it.”
Meet Mr Taylor has won eight of his 12 starts but has never run at the Sunshine Coast.
“I don’t see any problems with the Sunshine Coast as he seems to handle all tracks,” Schweida said.
“It is well documented that he is a funny type of horse who seems to let others get up to him before he kicks back.
“It can a bit stressful to watch but you know he is never going to give in.”
Schweida elected not to run the speedy Darktown Strutter who trialled well last week.
“I didn’t think she was well off under the weight scale in this race so we will wait for Saturday week at Doomben for her,” he said.
The trainer will resume a long-standing association with the McLean family when Ready To Bolt makes his debut in the QTIS Two-Year-Old Handicap (1000m).
The late Ross McLean was one of Schweida’s main supporters when he moved from North Queensland to Brisbane 25 years ago.
They had considerable success most notably with Top Marc who won 12 races including a Glasshouse Handicap.
Ross McLean died in 2005 and his family have continued to race horses in his colours.
Ready to Bolt is by top sire Better Than Ready and finished third in a recent Doomben barrier trial.
Schweida hopes to qualify the colt for the Magic Millions 2YO Classic in January.
