Wesley shrugs off thump
STAR Tasmanian sprintermiler I’m Wesley remains on target to tackle the Group 2 Bobby Lewis Quality (1200m) at Flemington Saturday-week despite a bout of the thumps following his first-up run in Melbourne two weeks ago.
I’m Wesley was unplaced in the Norman Carlyon Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley after which a vet’s examination revealed he had the respiratory irregularity, not uncommon in racehorses.
Trainer Glenn Stevenson said it was the fourth time the gelding had suffered the ailment after a race.
“He’s had four starts interstate and he’s had the thumps after each ... but this latest case was extremely mild,” Stevenson said. “It is definitely not life threatening.
“I spoke to a highly respected vet who said the exact cause is unknown but it does have a bit to do with post-race stress.
“This latest bout came on about 45 minutes after he raced at Moonee Valley but we just gave him a dose of electrolytes and that fixed him.”
I’m Wesley won six races in succession in Tasmania last season, including the Newmarket Handicap (1200m) and the weight-for-age Conquering Stakes (1400m) before embarking on an interstate campaign that netted minor placings in feature races at Flemington and Mornington.
He ventured to South Australia at the end of his campaign and finished a game fourth in a Group 3 race over 1200m at Morphettville.
His efforts in Tasmania make him one of the main contenders for last season’s horse of the year title that will be announced at the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Hobart on Friday night. The 2018 Tasmanian Racing Hall of Fame inductions also will be announced on the night.
Stevenson says I’m Wesley has thrived since his first-up effort at Moonee Valley.
“I can’t fault his work since he’s been home and if he continues to improve I am very confident he will run one hell of a race in the Bobby Lewis because he’ll get in with a light weight and he will be better suited at Flemington.
“He will gallop on the beach on Wednesday and next Tuesday he’ll have his final fast gallop before getting on the boat Thursday night for the trip back to Melbourne.
“We haven’t looked at anything beyond the Bobby Lewis but if he runs well then it is more than likely we will look at one or two more starts during the Melbourne spring.”
While I’m Wesley will tackle the feature race on the program at Flemington, another smart Tasmanian galloper, Lady Pluck, will make her interstate debut at the same meeting.
The Scott Brunton-trained Lady Pluck will line up in the Cap D’Ántibes Stakes over 1100 metres for three-year-old fillies.
Lady Pluck has had only two starts for a debut second in the 2YO Gild Sovereign in February and an effortless allthe-way win in a 1100-metre maiden in Hobart on July 22.
“Lady Pluck will have a jump out at Elwick tomorrow and another grass gallop before heading to Melbourne on Thursday week,” Brunton said. “The filly is in top shape and I’m excited about her prospects.”