Moller on double pronged mission

WITH the annual Gordonvale Cup meeting this Saturday, local trainer Ray Moller is going to have a bob each-way.

Moller previously trained on track at Gordonvale, but has since shifted to Tolga, and would love to have a winner on Cup Day, but would also like to reward his loyal owners with some prized QTIS money.

With last-start winner Roth’ N’ Bell and maiden Rothstock ’N’ Bella, Moller will aim to do both.

After two wins over carnival time, threeyear-old gelding Roth’ N’ Bell will chase QTIS cash at Cluden Park this afternoon, while Rothstock ’N’ Bella will be the stable representative on Cup Day, nominated for the $8000 Maiden Plate (1100m).

Brett Dawson and John Piccone bred both geldings, with the veteran trainer keen to land two winners this week.

“It would be silly of us not to chase the QTIS money if Roth’ N’ Bell is going all right and he is going extremely well at the moment,” Moller said.

“We really need to chase the money instead of racing at home.

“We would have liked to have a horse to race on Gordonvale Cup Day as well so we have put Rothstock ’N’ Bella in the QTIS race on Saturday too.

“It will be good to support the local club.”

Roth ’N’ Bell has won twice at Cannon Park over his last three starts, with a Townsville flop wedged in between, but Moller says his last Cluden Park run should be forgotten as nothing went his way.

Stable hoop Kerry Rockett, who will not make weight today and has been replaced by Masayuki Abe (pictured), has a big opinion of the gelding.

“This is just the tip of the iceberg for Roth ’N’ Bell,” Moller said. “If he keeps improving, we can take him anywhere, he looks like a carnival horse for us.”

Meanwhile, after running second on the first day of the Amateurs carnival in the $40,000 Open Handicap, Cairns trainer Trevor Rowe is hopeful Man Around Town will run a bold race in the seventh of eight races from Townsville today.

“He is up in the top company and you need a bit of luck but he is certainly good enough to be in the finish,” Rowe said.

“I see no reason why he should not be right in the firing line in that race.

“It is a very good race and there will be genuine speed on, which will help him.

“He is ticking all the boxes so far.”