RACING Ahern right to score first win

AFTER a torrid first- up run at Cairns, the Scott Coopertrained Ahern looks well placed to break his maiden status at Cluden Park this afternoon.

The four- year- old went close to breaking through at Cairns Jockey Club last month in his first run under the guidance of Cooper in the Far North, running second to Love Me Ruby over 1250m.

The gelding was previously trained by Paul Matts out of Coffs Harbour before he was snapped up by one of Cooper’s loyal owners in Cairns.

Prolific Tablelands hoop Wanderson D’Avila is back from a short suspension and gets the ride again today with the Kewarra Beachbased trainer confident of a strong showing.

Ahern will carry the topweight in the fourth race of the afternoon at Cluden Park, the $ 12,000 Maiden Handicap ( 1300m).

“He ran a good race for us first- up in Cairns 10 days ago,” Cooper said.

“He had a really tough run, he was stuck five wide for the first part of the race and then three wide for the remainder.

“He did all the hard work and really dug deep in the straight.

“He has improved a bit since that run. If he gets a soft run, he will be hard to beat down in Townsville, I would be surprised if he is not in the first three, that is for sure.”

Ahern’s arrival at his Cairns stable was a surprise for Cooper.

“One of my owners bought the horse while I was overseas and once I got back, the horse was here two days later,” Cooper said.

“We have got a few firsttime owners in this horse, too, so hopefully we can grab a winner for them.”

The first of seven races jumps from 1.15pm at Townsville Turf Club.

Racing turns to Atherton Turf Club on Saturday.

PR