Trainer Luke Pepper hopes Seanessy can prove a cut above his rivals at the Sapphire Coast on Saturday and press his claims for next month’s Murrumbidgee Guineas.
Owned by Moruya butcher John Gamble, the three-year-old resumes in the Far South Coast Hotels Cup (1200m), a Benchmark 60 event.
Prepared for one start by Gamble, the son of Half Hennessy was transferred to Pepper when the former foreman for Nick Olive moved from Canberra to Moruya.
“He’s going to be better off over more ground but we’ve got to kick off somewhere,” Pepper said.
“The horse is still immature, ability-wise though there’s plenty there.
“The plan is, if he comes to hand as expected, we’re looking at the Wagga (Murrumbidgee) Guineas.”
The $35,000 1600m Guineas is on Wagga Cup day, May 6.
Seanessy had two starts under Pepper last preparation, recording a 920m maiden win at Moruya on November 2 then beaten 1-1/4-lengths when runner-up to Hunting Lodge over 1200m on the same track on November 27.
“The break has done him the world of good,” Pepper said.
“We only gave him a light preparation last time. He wasn’t mature enough.
“Since coming back into work, he’s been in the stable about nine weeks, everything he’s doing, he’s doing better.
“He’s a nice horse to look at, not overly big, but well proportioned and has filled out.
“I’ve had a fair bit to do with the Half Hennessy stock, he’s typical of the breed, should improve with age and racing.”
Pepper, who trains good stayers Ilringya, headed towards the $140,000 Wagga Gold Cup, and Bega Cup winner Quichang who is set to tackle Sunday’s $25,000 Gundagai Cup, has been happy with Seanessy’s progress.
“He’s a naturally fit horse and doesn’t need a lot of work,” he said.
“I gave him a jumpout here (Tuesday) to top him off, he won easily.
“I’m happy with the way he’s going. Hopefully he keeps improving.”
AAP TURF
