Tiny mare Plumaro will take advantage of new QTIS bonus rules and resume in a Class Six instead of an open company race at Doomben.
The QTIS bonus scheme has traditionally been restricted to two and three-year-olds but this season has been extended to four-year-olds in selected races.
Trainer Kevin Kemp pointed out Plumaro would be eligible for a total of $79,000 in prize money and bonus payments if she won the Class 6 (1350m) on Saturday.
“It is good money in anyone’s terms so why not have a shot,” Kemp said.
“First prize in an average open handicap is $42,000.”
Plumaro is one of the smallest horses in work in Queensland but her consistency means she often pays the price at the handicaps with big weights.
Under the Plate weight scale on Saturday Plumaro will carry 54kg with Robbie Fradd her jockey.
Kemp is also looking forward to the debut of Plumaro’s full brother Count The Coin in the QTIS Two-Year-Old (1200m) on Saturday.
Both are by top sire Spirit of Boom out of the Red Dazzler broodmare Plumage.
Count The Coin has not had an official trial but has shown some ability in track gallops.
Kemp has overcome the problems of a big weight for Fighting Teo by booking 3kg claiming apprentice Adin Thompson for the ride.
Fighting Teo has top weight of 60kg in the Hamilton Hotel Handicap (2000m)
The gelding was an Eagle Farm winner two starts back and then got too far back early when a solid third at Doomben.
“With the claim he should be able to race a lot closer on Saturday,”Kemp said.
“Adin has ridden a few good races for me and he shows plenty of promise.
“After Saturday we might look at heading to Sydney for some longer races.”
