Toowoomba trainer Kevin Kemp was bedridden with bronchitis for the second week in a row but he was still able to mastermind a win for his gelding Typhoon Red.
Kemp and jockey Nozi Tomizawa worked out perfect race tactics to win the Mount Franklin Sparkling Handicap (1500m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Tomizawa said they believed there would be plenty of pace in the race and Typhoon Red could sit just off it.
The plan worked to perfection when Typhoon Red ($12) scored a short-neck win over Lady Echelon ($4) with a short half head to Renewed Vitality ($5).
Tomizama said Kemp was keen to qualify Typhoon Red for the $150,000 Listed Weetwood Handicap (1200m) on April 12.
“Kevin is a bit crook at the moment but that will be a boost for him,” he said.
Owner Graham Thomas said Kemp missed the Gold Coast meeting last week with bronchitis, thought he had it beaten on Wednesday but he had a relapse on Friday.
Thomas, who owns a horticultural business which specialises in growing avocados, has a genuine soft spot for Tycoon Red.
“Typhoon Red really shouldn’t be racing as he has had a few problems including a twisted bowel. But he has now won nine of his 20 starts so he been great for us.”
Apprentice Priscilla Schmidt may have to reconsider her decision to miss the winter carnival after she won on Tips `n’ Tales ($21) in the Coke Zero Handicap (2103m).
Schmidt plans to ride from Port Macquarie from the end of March until the carnival is over because she feels her Brisbane chances will be limited.
“I am still committed to Port Macquarie but who knows what can happen,” she said.
Jockey Brad Stewart and trainer Les Ross continued their good run when Some Call Her Wild, backed from $16 to $9, won the Simmons Bakery Handicap (1200m).
Ross was full of praise for Stewart who he rates as one of the best jockeys in Australia.
“He is riding very well and there are few better,” Ross said.
