Evamac to bounce back
RACING: While training is more of a hobby than a profession for Eric Ropiha these days, he’s still capable of preparing a handy type.
With a stable of just three, it makes the Toowoomba trainer appreciate his horses more, including renowned winner Evamac.
The five-year-old has won five of her 29 career starts, and is hopeful of adding another at her home track when lining up in tomorrow’s Benchmark 70 Handicap (1000m).
A last-start fourth at Clifford Park puts her in good stead for the event, running fourth behind Jadentom in open company.
Ropiha said he had been impressed with the way she had returned to the track this preparation, including a win at Ipswich two runs ago.
“First-up she sat wide and battled on well (at Ipswich),” Ropiha said.
“Then she won before going to an open race, which was pretty tough. She didn’t have a lot of luck in running.
“We thought she raced well. She came off the fence looking a run and didn’t get it at the time she needed it and lost a bit of momentum.”
A drop back in grade to Benchmark 70 company bodes well for Evamac according to Ropiha, who has engaged apprentice Madeleine Wishart for the ride.
“This looks a suitable race from the good barrier (four),” he said.
“Wishart has won two races on her (from two rides) and really suits the horse.
“If she races forward she will be hard to beat. Madeleine knows the horse, and the horse goes well for her. We’re happy to have her on again.”
As has been the case since initial zoning regulations came into place, Clifford Park has again attracted strong nominations and acceptances, forcing an additional two races to be added to form an 11-race card.
Earlier in the day, promising two-year-old Dark Son prepares for his second run from a spell in the QTIS TwoYears-Old Handicap (1000m).
A winner at the track firstup, the son of Better Than Ready will again feature prominently in the market for
Tony and Maddysen Sears.
After having no luck firstup in a strong Benchmark 65 event at the track on May 10, the Michael Nolan-trained Commander Sara looms as a leading contender in the QTIS Thee-Years-Old Benchmark 62 Handicap (1210m).
The gelding was shuffled a long way back from a wide barrier on that occasion, before flashing home to get within two lengths of Bestie.
The 11-race program begins at 1.15pm across the screens of Sky Racing, with the last to jump at 7pm.
A two-page form guide appears inside The Chronicle.