Mudgee trained Gayna Williams has put a lot of time and effort to get I Am A Cool Kid in order and the talented galloper could repay his trainer’s persistence when he resumes in the TAB Highway (1100m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Williams has been to hell and back when it comes to this horse, with the horse having just about every injury you could think of, along with nearly dying on a couple of occasions.
“He’s six years old and has only had three starts so that tells you the story by itself,” Williams told Just Horse Racing.
“Around 18 months ago he had Colitis and was rushed to Scone where he was pretty close to dying.
“Last year he was going to resume in the Highway on the Hawkesbury stand alone meeting but injured himself and was rushed to Scone again.
“This prep, he was supposed to trial at Dubbo around a month ago but had a small bout of colic so we had to ease off and get him right.”
He was given that little extra time off and has trialed twice in readiness for his return at Gilgandra and Gunnedah respectively, with the trials pleasing both the trainer and the riders.
“Ashley Morgan rode him in the first trial at Gilgandra and was pleased with how he felt.
“Greg Ryan then rode him at Gunnedah and he said the horse felt brilliant and that fitness wouldn’t be an issue first up. I prefer race fitness so I’m hesitant in that regard when it comes to this weekend but you have to respect the judgement of Greg.
“Greg was going to ride the horse on Saturday but he had prior engagements at Parkes so Adam Hyeroniumus will ride him.
“The horse has been in work three months so the grounding is there to run well first up, but I would prefer a run or two leading in. Unfortunately given how injury prone the horse is, you have to come to town while he’s fine.”
While Williams has a very high opinion of the gelding, she is cautious about how the race could potentially play out for her horse on the weekend.
“I really want an inside gate for him.
“I don’t like horses resuming from wide gates and given how head strong he is, easing back from a wide gate would be a nightmare for him, so I’m hoping he draws well and can either lead or get cover just near the speed because he’s got a brilliant burst.
“Talent wise, he’s clearly the best horse I’ve ever had and that’s why the owners and I have persisted with him. He’s only had three starts but has shown above average ability both on race day and at home.”
As is the case this time of year with progressive gallopers from the bush, the Country Championships is hot on the agenda but Williams confirmed that the horse is next to no chance of going down that path.
“He’s just too brilliant to run a strong 1400m.
“His dam is by Zabeel and probably over time he could get that sort of trip but he’s just built for speed and is a very head strong horse so 1400m at this stage of his career would be a bridge too far.”