Mccolm has not so Easy mission
Trainer targets Stradbroke
David Mccolm faces the not so easy task of getting Far Too Easy into the Stradbroke Handicap next month, but says his gun sprinter is “one good run” away from securing his spot in the $3m classic.
The humble Murwillumbah trainer knows he is walking a fine line when it comes to getting Far Too Easy’s rating up to make the field, but believes victory in Saturday’s Listed ATC Cup (1200m) at the Sunshine Coast would lock away a spot.
Such is Far Too Easy’s talent, bookmakers have kept him safe in Stradbroke markets, installing him a $15 chance.
Mccolm believes he could morph into a flying machine with the weight off his back in Queensland’s best race should he make the field.
“I really think with a light weight in the Stradbroke, the final 600m would be blistering and I feel it is the race for him, we always had it targeted but we we’ve never been 100 per cent sure he’d get there,” he said.
“With no weight on his back, he will just fly.”
Most of the time trainers are desperate to keep ratings points up their sleeve, but Mccolm said the time is now to strike for Stradbroke riches.
After surviving deadly flood waters last year, the small-time trainer said his stable star had matured into a beast and was ready to make the ATC Cup his own.
Far Too Easy is currently a 97-rater, with a figure over 100 likely to get a Stradbroke start.
He is rated a $4.40 chance on Saturday in the ATC Cup.
“After his last run, he pulled up really well and I think he has improved, that is my opinion, I think he is hitting his straps now and maturing into a nice horse,” Mccolm said.
“We are usually trying not to get those high ratings, but I feel as a four-year-old where he is more mature, the Straddie is his race.
“You probably only get one opportunity at it, maybe next year, but I feel like this is his year.
“I plotted the easiest path I could to get his rating up, we went to the Benchmark 90 the other day, now to the ATC Cup, we did have the BRC Sprint in mind as the other race.
“If he did win on Saturday, I’m not 100 per cent sure if we would have to go to the BRC Sprint, we would make up our mind after Saturday.
“The way he is going at home, I am confident he will run a mighty race.”