Trainer Chris Munce will step up his juvenile assault on the winter carnival
Trainer Chris Munce will step up his juvenile assault on the winter carnival with two hopes in the Ken Russell Classic at the Gold Coast.
Munce won his fourth two-year-old stakes race of the season with Saint Patricks Day in the Listed Dalrello Stakes at Doomben on Saturday.
He believes he has two great chances a week later in the Group Three Ken Russell Classic which is regarded as one of the most sought-after races in Queensland because it honours the popular late champion rider.
Munce will enter Champ Elect who was one of the stars of the early Brisbane two-year-old season winning two races including the Listed Calaway Gal Stakes.
At her most recent start Champ Elect was seventh to Houtzen in the Magic Millions Classic on January 14.
The trainer will also nominate Helfuchi who ran third on debut at Doomben two weeks ago.
Munce has a big opinion of both but is worried Helfuchi won’t make the field for the Ken Russell.
“He was 100-1 at his first run and I always felt he would be much better for the outing. The problem is a lot of other horses start their winters in the Ken Russell and we might not get a run,” Munce said.
“If he gets a start he will give them something to worry about.”
Champ Elect has had a jump-out in preparation for Saturday and Munce is confident she can race well.
Munce is giving Skate To Paris a short freshen-up after her second at Toowoomba on April 8.
“I have always felt she would be a better three-year-old and possible Oaks style horse. I will bring her back late in the carnival for some of the fillies races,” he said.
