When you think of Symon Wilde you think of Gold Medals and his two victories in Australia’s longest race, the Grand Annual Steeplechase.
But Wilde is more than a trainer of jumpers, he produces horses that win at all different ages and over a range of distances.
Now he is trying to win a place in the 2021 Melbourne Cup with Tralee Rose and is hoping she can do that with victory in the Group 3 The Bart Cummings (2500m) at Flemington on Saturday.
The Bart Cummings is a win and you’re in race for the Melbourne Cup, although Wilde has a back-up plan in the Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m) on October 20.
Wilde was not enthralled with gate 20 – barrier 16 when the scratchings are finalised on Saturday – but admits for Tralee Rose it is better than drawing one or two.
“We’ve been thinking she needs room and in her two lead-up runs she’s been caught on the fence,” Wilde said.
“I think in her case she’s a much better horse out in room and she runs really well on the bigger tracks.
“We’re very happy with her. Her fitness is perfect, she’s had a trouble-free preparation.
“But I think she’ll have to be right on her A game and she’ll have to get a good run as well.
“We’ll need a couple of things in our favour.”
Wilde said from the barrier and with new rider Dean Holland aboard, who will also partner the mare in the Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 2, Tralee Rose can be expected to roll forward from the start.
He said while Tralee Rose had been impressive last season, Saturday’s race was a different kettle of fish.
“The off-season races she was winning was good, but this is a different kettle of fish when you’re lining up against all these horses that are primed to be at their absolute peak,” Wilde said.
“And there are overseas horses coming in with good form.
“I’d also be watching the weather as I wouldn’t want the track being too wet for her.
“She’s much better on top of the ground.”
