Colt could run hot: Edwards
EXPERIENCED jockey Frank Edwards expects to see improvement in the Fred Wieland-trained Hot Top at Cluden Park today.
The 54-year-old was on board the two-year-old at Cannon Park last month where Hot Top ran eighth of 11 over the 1250m trip but Edwards is confident of a better showing at Townsville this afternoon.
There is plenty of prizemoney on offer for connections of the youngsters with the QTIS Two-Years-Old Handicap (1200m) worth $30,000, as well as QTIS bonuses.
Edwards believes the Good 4 track will suit Hot Top, by Top Echelon from Hot Doulton, today.
“I was quite happy with the way he raced in Cairns the other day against the older horses and he is back against his age group this time,” Edwards said.
“It will be a good stepping stone for better races over more ground.
“This horse is related to Fred’s good stayer Hot Saga, there is potential for this horse as a three-year-old.
“I think he will be competitive, the track was wet in Cairns the other day and that did not help him.
“I was pleased with the way he finished the race off.”
The grey colt is likely to be improved again next preparation, Edwards believes.
“I think he will get better as a three-year-old, maybe over more ground, up to 1600m,” Edwards said.
“Maybe the 1600m Guineas next year, would be a perfect race for him.”
The veteran hoop selected Blumiss for Kay Keys the best of his three rides this afternoon in the Maiden Handicap (1000m).
Seven TAB-races at Cluden Park will be run this afternoon with Tolga trio Grey Missile, Pinyarda and Dazzling Pride all to return to North Queensland racing.
Meanwhile, Brisbane trainer Liam Birchley was in Rockhampton on Saturday to win the $100,000 Capricornia Two-Year-Old Stakes with Wicked Ways.
The race is for graduates of the Capricornia Yearling Sales which began in Rockhampton on Sunday.
“It is a good race and I have had a bit of luck in it,” Birchley said. “I won it with a horse which cost me $5000 and this one cost $10,000 so I better get one for $15,000 at this sale.”