Flyer’s a lot fresher for Cup tilt

CENTRAL Queensland trainer Glenda Bell has described Fastnet Flyer as a “totally different horse” this year as he chases Townsville Cup redemption at Cluden Park today.

Bell will saddle up Fastnet Flyer for his second tilt in the $100,000 Mater Townsville Cup (2000m) after he came home a disappointing 13th in last year’s race, which was won by Kelly Schweida galloper Outraged.

Fastnet Flyer had sensational lead-up form, with six wins from eight starts under Bell, but she admitted that the horse had probably had enough by the time the Townsville Winter Carnival feature race rolled around.

Bell is confident her star sixyear-old still had more to give this year after taking out the Mackay Cup over 1800m on July 1, beating home Townsville Cup favourite Chivadahlii by a half-length.

Fastnet Flyer also ran third over the mile at Cluden Park last weekend and Bell said the horse looked every bit a winning chance with jockey Les Tilley on board.

“He’s still fresh going into the race, he’s totally different this year,” Bell said. “Last year he was on the downhill run and he’d had enough but this year he’s still on the up.”

Fastnet Flyer ($7) was second in the line of betting with UBET yesterday, behind favourite Chivadahlii ($4.80) but Bell said Brisbane galloper Flying Light ($8) was the horse to beat.