Trainer certain Chivadahlii can win Cup
ROCKHAMPTON raider Chivadahlii shapes as one of the horses to watch in this weekend’s Mater Townsville Cup ( 2000m) at Cluden Park following yesterday’s barrier draw.
Chivadahlii will jump from barrier 11 for trainer Jamie McConachy who said the five- year- old gelding has had the ideal preparation for Townsville’s most prestigious race day.
Chivadahlii had his first start over the distance at Cluden Park a fortnight ago, storming to an impressive victory ahead of fellow Cup runner Ranked, who has drawn barrier 14.
Mackay trainer John Manzelmann has two runners in the Cup, with Mishani Gladiator ( nine) and Knowing Me ( six) both faring well at the barrier draw.
The Glenda Bell- trained Fastnet Flyer looks a good chance to improve on last year’s 13th after drawing barrier 10 while local hope Rocknet will start from gate four for Tony Comerford.
But Chivadahlii has the recent form behind him at Cluden Park and McConachy was confident the horse was primed to do well in the Townsville Cup.
“He’s done the groundwork. He’s gone from the mile out to 1800m and 2000m. Our preparation’s been spot on with him,” McConachy said.
“I won the Rocky Cup a few years ago with a horse called Vandalised so it’s the same type of preparation. Everything’s gone really well with the horse and he’s fit and well.”
Rockhampton trainers have already dominated this year’s Townsville Winter Carnival, with McConachy taking out last Saturday’s Fillies and Mares Bracelet with Starante.
Tony McMahon also won the TwoYear- Old Classic with Paradis Imperial while Darryl Johnston- trained mare Isa Tala claimed an emotional victory in the Lightning Handicap.
Chivadahlii will be McConachy’s first Townsville Cup runner and he described the race as one of the best features in North Queensland.
“It’s a prestigious race. It’s one of those races that you dream about winning and we’re in with a big show,” McConachy said.
“Every horse is there because they’re a chance of winning and it’ll just come down to the luck of the run in the race.”
Meanwhile, Far North sprinter Tyzone will need to produce a special run to win the Cleveland Bay Handicap ( 1300m) after drawing the widest barrier.
Tyzone had already been slugged with 57kg by the handicapper ahead of his bid to become the first three- yearold to win the feature sprint since Sea Zulu in 2006.
His luck didn’t improve at the barrier draw as the Roy Chillemi- trained gelding picked gate 21, but Tyzone does have a sensational record at Cluden Park with eight wins from 10 starts.
Top weight Craiglea Deken still looks the horse to beat after drawing barrier four and he’s unbeaten in his past five races in Townsville.
Windmill Lane for Ricky Ludwig will jump from barrier 19 as he chases a seventh straight victory.