Carpenter builds bank
TRAINER Chris Munce heads back to the Gold Coast today with The Carpenter who has a chance to build up his bank account when he chases more QTIS bonus prizemoney in the Tallebudgera SLSC Three-Year-Old Handicap (1400m).
The Carpenter has earnt $51,625 in prizemoney, which includes $14,300 in QTIS bonuses, for two wins and two placings from six starts.
A win today would net The Carpenter $16,800 of normal prizemoney plus $8500 in QTIS bonuses and Munce said that was a good incentive to head to the Gold Coast with the Rothesay gelding.
“QTIS money is too hard to resist. It is a $30,000 race with the QTIS bonuses and it is a good race to target,” the Eagle Farm trainer said.
The Carpenter has had three runs back from a spell and scored back-to-back wins in a Gold Coast Maiden and in a Sunshine Coast Class 1 before being well beaten when eighth in a 1200m Three-Year-Old Handicap at Eagle Farm a fortnight ago.
A drop back to the provincials looks an easier option for The Carpenter and Munce said the gelding was ready to step up to the 1400m for the first time.
“He has been in good form all prep,” Munce said.
“He won his first two very well and the other day in town he probably didn’t have the best of luck in transit. He has a bit of weight to carry but obviously it’s not as strong a race.
“He is going out to the 1400m for the first time and his pattern suggest he will run the 1400m.”
The Carpenter has drawn barrier six in the nine-horse field with Scott Galloway getting the call-up again.
Munce will also saddle up last-start Maiden winners Phionaix and Boots ’N’ Awe in the same race.
Phionaix will also be tackling the 1400m for the first time after winning a 1200m Ipswich Maiden while Boots ’N’ Awe was a winner over 1400m at Beaudesert.
“Boots ’N’ Awe won over the 1400m at Beaudesert so we know he will handle it and Phionaix, he is going to the 1400m for the first time too,” Munce said.
“Phionaix and Boots ’N’ Awe had strong enough Maiden wins. They are a couple of nice progressive types.”