Trainer Tracey Bartley says Ellyonbye is “bucking her brands off” ahead of the mare’s assignment at Bathurst on Friday.
The five-year-old daughter of Strategic tackles the Coates Hire Benchmark 50 Hcp (1200m).
Bartley, now based at Wyong, scratched Ellyonbye, who has a penchant for bucking, from Thursday’s Wyong meeting to concentrate on what he believes will be an easier task at Bathurst.
“She can buck like a trouper,” Bartley said.
“Something must have happened in her past.
“She threw the kid (Shaun Guymer) at Newcastle two starts back, he got back on, and nearly dropped her track rider after work on Wednesday.
“When she races it (bucking) has never been a problem but the boys that ride her are always wary.”
Ellyonbye, with placings at Newcastle and Wyong at her past two starts, has her hoof on the till, Bartley believes.
“She’s ready to win and going to the right place,” Bartley said.
“At Newcastle she ran into a pretty handy horse then last start she drew wide and was ridden too quiet, a couple of lengths off the second last horse.
“I’ve been happy with her work since.”
Second-up from a 32-week spell when Bartley first took over training the mare, Ellyonbye was beaten 1-3/4 lengths when second behind Oakfield Gem, trained by Darren Smith, over 1200m at Newcastle on September 24.
At Wyong on October 13, the mare made up many lengths in the run home when a closing third to Geemeup and Lisa Lost It over 1100m.
“She made up very good ground at Wyong,” Bartley said.
“It was just she gave away too much start.
“The mare has early speed, she led first-up, and tomorrow we’ll likely roll forward early and hopefully box seat.
“The weight (59.5kg) might be the only problem.
“She’s a strong mare but not real big. One thing she does to is try her heart out and she’s got Greg Ryan aboard.”
Bartley will also saddle up Artful Charlie (Mathew Cahill) in the Hanson Benchmark 50 Hcp (1200m).
“He’s virtually first-up from a break and should go well fresh,” Bartley said.
AAP TURF