Astute Taree horseman Ross Stitt is hoping for better luck on Friday than the last time he saddled up a runner in the Wagga Cup.
In 2005, Stitt’s multiple country Cups winner Precise Timing endured a luckless run and finished sixth to Natural Blitz.
“He hasn’t got out yet,” Stitt said.
Stitt’s promising four-year-old Southern Shimmer will be out to make amends in the $140,000 Wagga Wagga Cup (2000m) on Friday.
The gelding’s last visit to Wagga on May 6 last year resulted in a win in the Wagga Guineas (1600m).
“I’ve got fond memories of that trip,” Stitt said.
That was against his own age group. Friday it’s against all comers.
Southern Shimmer is the modern day replacement for Precise Timing who won 18 of 87 starts including two Lismore and Port Macquarie Cups plus the Inverell, South Grafton, Toowoomba, Muswellbrook, Gunnedah and Launceston Cups.
Stitt earmarked the Wagga Cup for Southern Shimmer some time back.
“That’s been the plan all along this preparation,” Stitt said.
“He’s had three runs back and goes into the Cup fourth-up.
“To be honest I’m half confident with him. His last run was enormous. He covered a heap of extra ground and took a lot of benefit from the run.
“He’s come along in great order. I couldn’t be happier with him.”
Southern Shimmer put on 30 to 40 kilos during his spell and to Stitt’s discerning eye, the son of Southern Image has nearly fully furnished.
Stitt purchased Southern Shimmer as a yearling at the Classic sale in Sydney for $16,000 after he was initially passed in.
Eight wins in 22 starts is reflective of the striking gelding’s ability.
Second-up after a long break, Southern Shimmer caught the eye when he charged home late for 2-1/4 lengths fourth to Samui Lad over 1400m on the Kensington circuit at Randwick on April 9.
He then finished a close third to Marden over 1800m at the same track on April 25 despite travelling four-wide from the 800m.
Regular jockey Robert Thompson partners Southern Shimmer who has barrier two and will carry the limit weight of 54.5kg.