Hobby trainer Michael Gatty hopes improving three-year-old I Am The Count can win at Goulburn on Thursday and press his claims for a start in the $250,000 Inglis Guineas at Scone on May 14.
The Viscount gelding steps out in the Goulburn Party Hire Class 3 Hcp over the Guineas distance of 1600m.
“The big plan, we’re cheeky enough and hopefully he’s good enough, is to try and get a start in the Inglis Guineas,” the Moruya-based real estate agent and trainer said.
“Obviously it is dependent on his form and if he’s got enough prizemoney to qualify.
“A win tomorrow would certainly help.”
Luck finally went I Am The Count’s way last start when he dashed away over the latter stages to score a 3-1/4-length win in a Class 2 event over 1600m at Nowra on April 10, his second win in six starts.
“He ran a lovely race in the Canberra Guineas Prelude (February 27), didn’t get out until late and missed by a half-length, then drew the inside gate in the Canberra Guineas (March 13) and never saw daylight,” Gatty said.
“I took him to Albury (March 24) over 1600 metres and again he got badly held up and never got a real crack at them.
“He’s a lovely, big-striding horse who can accelerate quickly but had little luck until Nowra.
“Last time he saw a bit of daylight and bolted in. The best part of his race was the final furlong (200m).
“From barrier seven tomorrow, William (Pearson) should be able to get him clear at the right time.
“He’s pulled up in great order, bucking and squealing.
“I think he’ll go very close tomorrow.
Gatty purchased I Am The Count for $14,500 at the Scone yearling sales.
Out of Canny Lad mare Amish, a half-sister to Darley gallopers Pinwheel and Counterpane, I Am The Count has the potential to develop into a more than handy middle-distance horse, Gatty reasoned.
“He has been lightly raced, we’ve given him time to develop and mature,” Gatty said.
“It’s a lovely family on the dam’s side. Potentially he’s going to be pretty handy over 1600 to 2000 metres.
“He can settle and does let down quickly when asked.”
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