Grand plans for track specialist
CLUDEN Park specialist Platinum Tycoon will look to make it four Townsville victories on the trot this afternoon as the gelding warms up for a tilt at the Cleveland Bay Handicap later in the year.
The Michael Lee-trained four-year-old has returned in perfect fashion this preparation, winning two from two at Cluden Park over the past eight weeks.
The lightly-raced gelding will be out to make it three to start 2018 in the $14,000 Open Handicap (1000m) today.
Platinum Tycoon, by Written Tycoon out of Platinum Ruby, has an outstanding Townsville record, winning five from eight at the track, and has greeted the judges first every time with jockey Amanda Thomson on board.
“The horse has improved every run this prep,” Lee said.
“He is a more mature horse now than what he was as a three-year-old, he is bigger and stronger.
“He will be the one to beat on Thursday, he is fresh and always races well in Townsville.”
“Amanda knows the horse well and knows the horse has a lot of ability.
“She knows when to let him go and what she has underneath her.”
Last month, the shortpriced favourite ($1.60) was only fairly away at the barriers, but Cairns hoop Thomson quickly found the front and Platinum Tycoon bolted home to win by two lengths.
The $100k Cleveland Bay Handicap (1300m) at the end of July is the aim for Platinum Tycoon.
“That is the plan at the moment, Cleveland Bay,” Lee said. “I think he will be competitive.”
In last year’s race, Heartbreak Harry completed a clean sweep of the Townsville feature races by Rockhampton horses with his victory in the Cleveland Bay Handicap (1300m).
Seven TAB races will be run at Cluden Park this afternoon with the first from 1.18pm.