Trainer Mark Mason hopes the engagement of senior rider Peter Graham might be the key for Emotional Outburst to break a frustrating run of seconds in the Glen Innes Cup on Saturday.
The Port Macquarie-trained jockey replaces apprentice Clare Pettigrew.
“Not that Clare has done anything wrong, I just wanted a stronger rider. It might suit the horse better,” Mason said.
Pettigrew has been aboard the former Gai Waterhouse-trained, Gooree-bred six-year-old gelding by Johannesburg at his past three starts for seconds at Quirindi (November 14) and Tamworth on December 6 and 20, the latter two behind Sue Grills’ in-form galloper Usain Prince.
Usain Prince confirmed the merit of the form by winning the Inverell Cup on January 1.
“He (Emotional Outburst) just hasn’t got there yet. Hopefully tomorrow is the day his luck changes,” Mason said.
“He pulled up really well after his last start.
“Seems good and has worked good. Barring bad luck he should just about get there in the Cup.”
Mason purchased the gelding privately from Gooree stud and races him with his daughter Amie.
“It took a while to get to know him but he’s a quiet, good-natured horse who has been in good form recently,” Mason said.
“Two starts back Usain Prince beat him a neck over 1200 metres. It was a real good run and I felt, given another 20 metres, he may have beaten the other horse.
“Last start he just got too far back early but he did take ground off the winner (Usain Prince) in the run home.”
Mason, based at Tamworth, cannot remember saddling up a previous Glen Innes Cup (1400m) runner.
“It does look a nice race for Emotional Outburst,” Mason said.
“El Sonador was a good run (second) in the Inverell Cup and he looks the hardest to beat.”
Emotional Outburst, with an overall record of 15 starts for three wins and five placings, has had four starts since his first run for the Mason stable in September.
AAP TURF