Stephen Johnson will have his first Sydney runner as a trainer in his own right when I’ve Bean Tryin’ tackles the Highway Handicap.
Cooma is best known for its proximity to the NSW ski fields but if I’Ve Bean Tryin’ can win at Randwick, it might put the town’s little-known racetrack on the map.
Situated on the doorstep of the Snowy Mountains, Cooma Race Club holds one meeting annually each December and is home to just a handful of trainers.
Stephen Johnson is one of them and on Saturday he will saddle up his first city runner when I’ve Bean Tryin’ contests the Highway Handicap (1400m).
The three-year-old has shown promise in his brief career, finishing third on debut at Queanbeyan over an unsuitable 1000m before stepping up in distance to post back-to-back wins at Canberra.
Johnson admitted it had been difficult to get a gauge on I’ve Bean Tryin’s ability prior to him racing, given the lack of local work mates.
“Up here at Cooma, you haven’t got anything to put them against really,” said Johnson, who also prepares I’ve Bean Tryin’s two siblings, although the gelding is his only horse currently in work.
“I sent him down to Canberra to get a bit more education.
“He was working with other horses there and then I trialled him.
“(Jockey) Shaun Guymer rode him in the trial and said, ‘this thing is pretty handy’, so that was good feedback at the time.”
Jack Martin has been aboard the son of Spill The Beans in his three starts and again has the ride at Randwick.
He likewise has a healthy opinion of the horse, so Johnson decided the timing was right to test I’ve Bean Tryin’ in town.
Not even a wide draw in 15 has deterred him.
“His last two starts he has drawn the car park so we will have a go at it,” Johnson said.
“Jack Martin has got a fair opinion of him. I thought he deserved a chance.”
