He’s the doyen of Geraldton racing, has won multiple trainer’s premierships, but there’s one accolade missing from his racing resume that he’s keen to address: his hometown Geraldton Cup.
Despite going close in previous years, Gordon Spowart plans on arresting that personal anomaly with a three-pronged attack in this weekend’s Tabtouch Geraldton Gold Cup (2100m).
Spowart will saddle Strong Heart, Wild Memories and Mycroft, but it’s the latter that he believes holds the greatest threat of breaking his Geraldton Cup drought.
Mycroft ran eighth to Freez’emoff in last year’s Geraldton Cup, but Spowart says the seven-year-old enters Sundays $100,000 race in far better shape.
“I think he had enough by the time the Cup came around,” Spowart told The Races WA.
“He was up for a fairly long time and had some feet issues to overcome.
“He was up for a long time, but this preparation I’ve been able to manage him better.”
Supporting Spowart’s move to target the 2021 Geraldton Cup came after Mycroft’s barnstorming last start 2125m victory on April 8.
The Henrythenavigator gelding came with a big run from the back of the field to importantly post his first win beyond 1800m
“He hit the line strongly and that eliminated any concerns he would run the trip,” Spowart said.
“He meets a strong line up on Sunday, but I don’t think the distance will worry him.”
Mycroft has hardly missed a beat since commencing his campaign last November.
He’s gone around 10 times for three wins and five placings.
After lumping 61kg and 60.5kg at his past four runs, Mycroft drops to 54kg in the Geraldton Cup.
In a field of 14 starters, he’s drawn barrier 11. Troy Turner keeps the mount.
“The weight drop is very good,” Spowart said.
“That will help his chances and the wide barrier is not a worry as he gets back anyway.
“He’s going into the race in very good order.
“He’s a great chance and I’m running out of time to win it.”
Spowart said although Strong Heart seems ok, he maybe reaching the end of his campaign.
He also believes Wild Memories could be a wildcard and did beat home Strong Heart last start.
Peter Knuckey and Strong Heart combine from barrier 13.
Apprentice Beau Banovic Edwards picks up the Wild Memories mount.
The Patronize mare has gate 15.
