Setting Mega pace for outside chance
CAIRNS trainer Mark Dale will instruct veteran jockey Graham Watson to send Mega D’oro to his preferred position at the head of today’s Cleveland Bay Handicap field.
The gelding’s best form has come when he has set the pace, winning four of five races in the back end of 2018 – two of those coming at Townsville’s Cluden Park.
Dale and Mega D’oro return to Townsville Turf Club this afternoon as one of the roughest chances in the 2019 $100,000 Cleveland Bay Handicap, priced at $101 earlier this week.
Dale, who rides the winner of 12 career races in work, believes putting pace in the race will give his gelding an ideal opportunity over 1300m.
“His form last prep was excellent,” Dale said.
“We have not been able to ride him to his normal pattern the last two starts, which is to get in front and roll along.
“With a really good draw for Thursday, we will be going forward with not a lot of speed in the race.
“That is where he has been to run his best races; he has a really high cruising speed.
“He will get his chance and give us a great shot.”
Mackay-based trainer Tracy Simmons raced the former Brisbane sprinter Mega D’oro up until November 2018, before the horse was transferred north to Dale.
The seven-year-old spent about six months in the paddock and has returned for three runs, two at Cluden Park, as well as going around at Cannon Park last Tuesday, finishing six lengths behind Snowy Moet.
“His form so far does not read that well on paper since he has been up here, but he was coming off a long spell and it has taken us a little while to get him fit,” Dale said. “He is in great order.”
The Cannon Park trainer will reunite with a close mate in Watson this afternoon.
The 53-year-old Watson was away from race riding for almost 18 months through late 2017 and last year.
Dale wants Watson to relax Mega D’oro this afternoon.
“He has lovely, kind hands,” Dale said. Mega D’oro is partowned by Kanimbla’s Brian Tong and partner Anita Plos.
Regular Townsville trainers’ premiership winner Roy Chillemi and Grey Missile will chase back-to-back wins in the Cleveland Bay today.
IN THE CLEVELAND BAY WITH A REALLY GOOD DRAW, WE WILL BE GOING FORWARD WITH NOT A LOT OF SPEED IN THE RACE. TRAINER MARK DALE