Alpine’s a shot at debut victory

ATHERTON trainer Bruce Hunter can see Alpine Magic breaking his maiden status this afternoon if the gelding can jump with the field.

The four-year-old grey has had 12 career starts without breaking through but has put together two promising starts this preparation under the guidance of Cairns hoop Rachel Shred (pictured).

After not running in the first three in his first 10 runs, Alpine Magic has placed second and third in his past two starts respectively and gets another chance to record career win number one this afternoon in the $7,000 QTIS Maiden Plate (1200m).

In the first of six races today at Morrow Park, Hunter needs Alpine Magic to have his mind on the job in the barriers.

“Hopefully he does,” Hunter said.

“It is a tough business you know, this training horses.

“There is a couple of tough ones in this race I thought but if he jumps all right, I will give him a chance. Sometimes he is a bit slow out of the barrier.”

Hunter’s small Tablelands stable is in form after Bella Sash won over 1100m last Saturday at Innisfail Turf Club.

The 3kg-claiming Shred, who works for the Cannon Park stable of Alwyn Bailey, has been behind Alpine Magic’s two encouraging trips over the past two months, according to Hunter.

“Rachel has ridden him a few times before and she knows what he is all about now,” Hunter said. “The horse is a slow maturer.

“He is nowhere near his best yet, that will be another 12 months away I believe. He is tall and lanky, and every time I put more weight on him, he just grows taller.”

Meanwhile, a small field will contest a Battle of the Bush Qualifier over 1200m for $10,000 at Atherton today.

Racing Queensland’s inaugural $100,000 Battle of the Bush Final will be held at Doomben on Tattersall’s Tiara Day on June 23, with this weekend’s heats at Atherton, Bowen, Cloncurry and Goondiwindi.