Consistent stayer Pounding might have more seconds than a clock, but few horses deserve a win more.
In that vein, trainers Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman have elected to give him another opportunity to get a victory on the board by backing him up into Saturday’s Listed Caloundra Cup (2400m) at the Sunshine Coast.
The seven-year-old has finished runner-up at five of his past seven starts and while his honesty is difficult to knock, it is equal parts frustrating for connections.
“Pounding is probably going to run second on Saturday, just like he has in almost every other race this preparation,” Coleman quipped.
The gelding’s past three runs have all yielded second placings, starting with the Andrew Ramsden Stakes (2800m) in May, the Q22 (2200m), and the Tattersall’s Cup (2400m) last weekend.
He again looks well placed from a low draw in the Caloundra Cup, but Coleman is keeping a lid on her confidence, saying the stable felt similarly seven days ago, only for Pounding to find one better in the Chris Waller-trained Asterix.
“We thought that about the race last Saturday, to be honest,” she said.
“But he’s on the seven day back-up, which we know he can handle. He is honest. He always goes out there and runs a race.
“He just needs the stars to align and everything to fall into place for him to win one. Hopefully Saturday is the day.”
Daniel Moor has the ride on Pounding, who has been given a quiet week in the lead up to the Sunshine Coast feature.
The horse is chasing his first win since the 2024 Sale Cup (1600m) and is on the second line of early markets at $5.50, behind in-form Sydney stayer Thebudgiesmugla at $3.70.
