Chillemi loads up after bit of spell
AFTER a summer sojourn in Western Australia, leading Far North trainer Roy Chillemi is back in business with a big team of horses set for Tuesday afternoon at Cannon Park.
The master trainer from the Tablelands put much of his stable out in the paddock over the festive season so he could spend some time with family on the other side of Australia.
After around six weeks without a race starter, the perennial trainers’ premiership winner returned to the track earlier this month when Bank Teller had her first up run at Cannon Park.
And, a large portion of the Chillemi yard is back on Tuesday afternoon, with seven set to start from his top stable.
The experienced horseman will present with a number of youngsters across the 10-race card – two-year-olds Love Is Blind and Oriental Girl are set for their second race starts while Loveisall Youneed will step out for the third time.
“They’re all looking all right to me but they may just need this outing,” Chillemi said.
“We do not have many barrier trials up here, they may be lacking some experience, but there is no doubt that I am looking forward to their runs and see how they go.
“Whatever they do this week, there will be a lot of improvement in them.”
Three-year-old filly Bank Teller is a horse that likes it fresh and should improve from her first-up run a fortnight ago.
She was super impressive on debut in May 2018, bolting home to win by a length and a half at Cannon Park, but has not won again in six starts.
The grey caught the eye first-up at Cairns, slightly missing the start before being sent wide on the Cannon Park track to finish second to winner Miss Ester.
“She put in a nice run,” Chillemi said.
“The speed was on, which suited her, and the sting out of the ground suited her as well.
“It will be interesting to see how she goes second-up now.”
Meanwhile, reigning Cleveland Bay Handicap winner Grey Missile is back in work with Chillemi hopeful to see the gelding race first-up in around six weeks time.
The four-year-old will target back-to-back Cleveland Bays later this year before a possible tilt in South East Queensland.