Comeback king Iggi Pop will race in Saturday's Listed ATC Cup
When Iggi Pop was standing in retirement on a hill at Segenhoe Farm, the thought of him returning to the track to win more than $100,000 in stakes seemed distant.
But that’s the mark the veteran stayer has reached as he loads up again to contest the Listed ATC Cup (2000m) at Rosehill on Saturday.
Trainer Peter Robl said the eight-year-old was six when he showed signs he could make a comeback.
“He bowed his tendon quite badly and he was retired,” Robl said.
It seemed as though he was destined to see out his days at owner Kevin Maloney’s Segenhoe Farm after finishing ninth in the 2014 Metropolitan Handicap.
“Kevin said ‘he looks good and he’s running around so we’ll bring him back and give him another try’,” Robl said.
“I think he’s won over $100,000 since he’s come back so he’s a long way in front of a lot of horses I’ll give him that much.”
His career’s second act has produced two Listed placings in the Wagga and McKell cups.
Iggi Pop picked up another cheque last start when he finished third in an open handicap over 1900m at Rosehill on November 19.
“He hasn’t won for a long time but he keeps running his genuine honest races and it’s probably just a case of him winning one day when everything falls into place for him,” Robl said.
“He gives 100 per cent but he probably just lacks that little bit of turn of foot now that he’s a bit older.”
Iggi Pop has drawn barrier 13 of 14 for Saturday but has the advantage of in-form jockey Tim Clark who will ride him carrying the minimum 54kg.
Robl also has Ninth Legion in the Group Three Festival Stakes and three-year-old filly Brulee in the ATC Membership Handicap (1200m).
Brulee shoulders 60kg after a solid fourth in the Listed Lexus Hybrid Plate at Flemington on Melbourne Cup day.
“She has probably got too much weight for her to be winning but in saying that she’s very genuine,” Robl said.
Robl is planning to step her back up to Listed company over 1400m in Brisbane later in the month.
