Spirit’s Choice primed for ‘second’ Jewel shot
RACING: After once being told his horse looked “trained to the minute” Bart Cummings famously replied the only trouble was the race was a minute late starting.
Toowoomba trainer Matt Kropp is hoping for better luck at Eagle Farm on Saturday when Spirit’s Choice bids for victory in the delayed Three-Year-Old Jewel (1200m) at Eagle Farm.
Spirit’s Choice was amongst the favoured runners for last Saturday’s scheduled running of the $200,000 feature at the Gold Coast before the event fell victim to inclement weather.
The race was transferred to this Saturday’s Eagle Farm card with the original field in place and scratchings re-instated.
Kropp welcomed the decision by stewards to abandon the final two races on last week’s saturated Gold Coast card as he prepares in-form Spirit’s Choice for take-two of her Jewel mission.
Spirit’s Choice is chasing her fourth successive race success on Saturday after two spacious Dalby wins and a Sunshine Coast victory last month.
The Spirit Of Boom filly faced a seven-day back-up last Saturday after her latest Dalby 1100-metre track record victory.
“It was a relief to see the Gold Coast called off last week,” Kropp said.
“It was a sensible decision. “Spirit’s Choice was ready to back up last Saturday.
“We hadn’t done a lot with her during the week and we were happy going into the race.
“She’s jumping out of her skin at the moment and the week’s delay shouldn’t be a concern.
“I think her fitness should hold up okay and hopefully she won’t have freshened up too much.
“She’s racing well and has earned the chance at a nice money race.
“I thought her Sunshine Coast win two runs back was probably her best.
“She ran a bit of time that day.”
Spirit’s Choice has had 13 race starts for six wins.
Other Toowoomba Jewel hopefuls are likely race favourite Mishani Hustler and its stablemate Soxagon, Spirit’s Pride, Barefoot and Red Stina.
Meanwhile Kropp’s winter carnival hopeful Trusty Lad steps up his preparation this morning when he trials at Clifford Park.
Trusty Lad hasn’t raced since scoring a Three-YearOld Quality Handicap (2200m) win at Eagle Farm in December.
The Reliable Man colt is due to resume racing in mid April with possible targets including the Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm on June 8.
‘‘ I THOUGHT HER SUNSHINE COAST WIN TWO RUNS BACK WAS PROBABLY HER BEST. MATT KROPP