“It costs nothing to dream and everything not to.”
It’s a quote from Rodney White and a philosophy shared by Joanna Offen.
The Esperance trainer is a dreamer and hopes to turn one of her dreams into a reality when I Am Spartacus contests the $400,000 Bluff Knoll (1099m) at Albany on Sunday.
Offen is under no illusion of the task which awaits the nine-year-old, a rank outsider against quality sprinters Rope Them In, Snowdome and Almighty Class.
I Am Spartacus put himself into Bluff Knoll discussion two weeks ago after sprouting wings late to win the Esperance Sprint (1200m) on his home deck.
At Tabtouch odds of $81, there’s not a whole heap of punters who think he can win again against a quality field, but Offen doesn’t believe he should be considered as an also-ran.
If inspiration is required or sought after, Offen can look back to yesterday (Wednesday) when Queen’s Sacrifice shocked everyone with a stunning win at 200 to 1 at Ascot.
Offen says anything can happen in racing.
“I’m very excited to be in it, it’s a pretty strong race, but he doesn’t know that,” Offen said to Racing WA.
“I’ll be very nervous, there’s a lot to think of, but the horse means an awful lot to me, he’s been a very good horse to me.
“In his early days when I got him we didn’t even know if we would get one season out of him.
“He had a few soundness issues, but as he’s got older, he’s got better and better.
“I’ll be nervous in as much as he means so much to me.
“He’ll only ever do his best for us and I believe he will go out and put his best foot forward.
“He’s a very special horse and anything can happen.
“There will be a few parties if he gets close.”
I Am Spartacus has drawn barrier seven in the Bluff Knoll and retaining the ride after the Esperance Sprint triumph is experienced hoop Lisa Staples.
Offen says a fast-run Bluff Knoll will help her veteran charge, a pattern that should unfold with the likes of Devine Belief, Almighty Class and Oxbridge.
“If the race is run to suit him, anything can happen,” Offen said.
“If there is a good strong pace, I don’t know, he could be right there.
“He doesn’t know those horses are rated better than him
“He thinks he’s the best, no matter where he goes.
“I’ve never known the horse not to try.
“Lisa knows him now; she’s had a few rides on him.
“He’s a little bit quirky, so I’m confident having Lisa on.”
I Am Spartacus started his career under Offen with a bang, scoring first up at Esperance four years ago before progressing to win a further four races and placing 11 times from 30 starts.
Win, lose or draw, Offen says I Am Spartacus is almost certain to bow out of racing after the Bluff Knoll.
“I think we will call it after this,” Offen said.
“He owes us nothing, but it will be sad not taking him to the races again.
“He’s just a professional and a pleasure to have.
“He’s given us so much fun every time we’ve taken him to the races.”
The Bluff Knoll slot race was introduced last year and won by Perth sprinter, Gemma’s Son.
The race distance of 1099m is the height of Bluff Knoll, the highest peak in the Great Southern’s Stirling Range National Park.
I Am Spartacus will run in the slot bought by Brian Fuller.
