Romakash earns his shot at metropolitan riches tomorrow
RACING: He’s as honest as the day is long, and Matt Kropp is hoping Romakash can end his preparation in the best possible way.
The Toowoomba trainer sends the four-year-old to Eagle Farm today for a Benchmark 75 Handicap (2200m), as he steps out to 11 furlongs for the first time.
Kropp said he was confident the gelding would be able to give a good account of himself at the journey.
“He’s been racing well, and I hope that Bubba (Les) Tilley knowing him well could be key,” Kropp said.
“He’s had a few rides on him before, and if he gets to ride him the way he would like to, he should be some sort of chance on the big track at Eagle Farm.
“He looks like he wants the trip. The trouble is the tempo at Eagle Farm. They can run them pretty slowly, so we’re hoping they go fast enough for us up front.
“He’ll likely go for a spell after this. He’s done a good job and been up for a while. He’s been going well enough that it’s worth taking him there and having another crack next preparation at the trip.”
Victory tomorrow would give Romakash his fifth win from his last eight starts, following a dominant victory at Gatton last outing.
With two black type races at Eagle Farm tomorrow, Toowoomba’s best hope comes in the form of the Steven Tregeatrained Bergerac, who is topweight in the Listed Tattersall’s Mile.
The five-year-old has claimed the Ipswich Cup and Mackay Cup at his last two starts.
Kropp will be hoping to have further success at his home track at Clifford Park tomorrow night.
With a handful of runners engaged, Kropp rates Okanagan Miss as the best of his hopes.
“There are some pretty open races on the card,” he said.
“Okanagan Miss finds a strong race, but she’s drawn a nice gate, has a light weight and races best at the track.
“Hopefully there’s a few things that work out for us there.”
The seven race card commences at 4.55pm.