Veteran jockey Ben Looker is prepared to overlook Time Quest’s recent form as the popular gelding attempts to create history in Friday’s Coffs Harbour Cup (1600m).
The eight-year-old is aiming to become the first horse in more than five decades to win the feature race three times after successful victories in 2024 and 2025.
Pepperwood is the only other dual winner of the race in that period, claiming back-to-back editions in 2012 and 2013.
Time Quest will again carry the minimum weight, just as he did for his previous two victories, despite arriving off seven consecutive unplaced performances.
Looker said he was happy to trust the horse’s outstanding affinity for Coffs Harbour.
“The year I won on him he came with good form, he’d run third in the South Grafton Cup and he got in on the minimum and won well,” Looker said.
“Last year it didn’t look like his form was as good but I think he just likes Coffs Harbour.
“Matt’s really good at turning his horses around, I know the horse has been out of form a touch but I thought his run three starts ago was really good over a mile.”
That effort came when closing strongly for fifth behind Formal Display and God’s Window at Randwick before two disappointing performances over 1800 metres prompted trainer Matt Smith to return the gelding to the trials.
Looker believes a wide barrier and an expected rain-affected surface will suit the proven closer.
“They had to go forward last start which probably isn’t his way of racing,” he said.
“He’s so well weighted in it. He’s won the last two and he gets in on the minimum.
“His trial was good, they gave him a squeeze near the line to make him put them away so hopefully that gives him a bit of confidence.
“The track is definitely going to have the jar out of it. I think he’s a horse that’s better ridden a bit conservatively and later in the day usually they are playing down the middle of the track which would suit him.”
Looker also partners talented mare Lunaite in the Pier Hotel Daniel Baker Sprint (1200m), with connections hoping the race can launch a campaign towards The Kosciuszko.
The Paul Snowden-trained five-year-old won a Highway Handicap last spring before an underwhelming Country Championships campaign, but Looker believes her recent trial indicates she has returned in excellent order.
“I thought she trialled well, Jenny Graham’s horse is a very up and coming horse and they ran slick time,” he said.
“She wasn’t out to break any records, she was there to get a bit of stimulation out of the gates with winkers first time.
“It was good to see her come out and trial like that. I’ve ridden her in a couple of pieces of work this preparation and she’s going really good at home.”
From barrier one with 55kg, Looker expects Lunaite to give a bold sight.
“Barrier one is a big plus for her, she’s going to bounce and put herself right there,” he said.
