Talented gelding Mr Armstrong resumes in Sunday’s Singleton Cup at Muswellbrook heading towards his main goal, the $175,000 Scone Cup.
Trained by Wayne Wilkes and raced by Les Tinkler’s Serene Lodge, the five-year-old tackles the $25,000 Singleton Cup (1280m) after a nine-week break.
Last preparation Mr Armstrong returned in devastating fashion, winning three of his first four starts including a first-up 1000m success at Coffs Harbour followed by his win in the Muswellbrook Cup (1280m) on November 2.
Wilkes has little doubt the seven-time winner from 19 starts has returned in great order.
“I’m happy with the way he’s going. He feels and looks very well,” the Port Macquarie-based trainer said.
“Compared to last campaign he certainly hasn’t gone backwards.
“If anything he’s improved, showing a little bit more in everything he’s done.
“He’s very professional now. He knows what he’s here for.”
Following Sunday, Wilkes has pencilled in the $60,000 Tamworth Cup (1400m) as a lead into the May 13 Scone Cup over 1600m.
“Sunday is a good place to kick off his campaign and he then goes on a progressive step up in distance into the Scone Cup,” Wilkes said.
“The Scone Cup is his goal, that’s why we tipped him out when we did last campaign, in order to get him at his peak for Scone.
“He spent a couple of weeks in the paddock and over the past few weeks I’ve stepped up his trackwork.
“His work’s been good. He’s had a jumpout and has good first-up form. He was great last time up.
“There’s a lot in his favour at Muswellbrook. Certainly he’s got a bit more weight (58kg) but in this class, I believe he’s fairly weighted.
“Everything’s in order. He’s drawn good (barrier three) and headed in the right direction, upwards. He’s my little pocket rocket.
“And if there’s any rain about that won’t worry him either, a wet track will suit him even better.
“I love it when a plan comes together, hopefully everything works out.”
Allan Chau has the mount.
AAP TURF
