Tyzone hits city
NORTH Queensland punters have long known about Tyzone’s quality and it seems the Tolga star is catching on down south.
The four-year-old has won 11 of his 16 starts and will run in the Open Handicap (1100m) this afternoon at Doomben.
Ladbrokes head of content Thomas Hackett believes the Roy Chillemi-trained sprinter is “an excellent chance” to claim his second southeast Queensland victory.
“Tyzone has been the clear market-mover for the Lunar New Year Handicap at Doomben and has been $10 into $7.50,” Hackett said. “His record in North Queensland is nothing short of outstanding and he showed that he is capable of competing at metro level when he won at Doomben in February last year.
“This is a fairly open race from a betting standpoint and we would not be surprised if the money continued to come for the Roy Chillemi-trained galloper.
“He will get a lovely run just behind the leaders and we expect him to be in the finish.”
Apprentice Elyce Smith took the ride in Tyzone’s last start in Cairns after he was handed 62kg but leading Far North jockey Stephen Wilson returns this afternoon in a rare appearance in Brisbane.
Wilson has won nine races on Tyzone, who was ridden by Glen Colless when he won at Doomben last year during a stint with Brisbane trainer Lawrie Mayfield-Smith.
Wilson is the No. 1 rider for Tolga trainer Chillemi, who is bringing four horses to campaign in Brisbane.
The pair combined for a double at Townsville on Tuesday in a warm-up for the trip south.
Originally from Ireland, Wilson has ridden 192 Australian winners, mostly in north Queensland, but has had only one other ride in Brisbane.
HIS RECORD IN NORTH QUEENSLAND IS NOTHING SHORT OF OUTSTANDING THOMAS HACKETT