Partnership hitting its stride on track

JORDAN GERRANS

Stefanie is a former competitive swimmer and with a growing stable of horses, Gareth is optimistic about what is ahead for the team.

“She has just got her licence so we will work as a bit of a team,” Horner said.

“She has been around horses all of her life, but never with them in terms of racing until we got together.

“She is fantastic with the horses.”

The Tablelands team will have three chances this after- noon at Cluden Park, in the relocated Herbert River Jockey Club meeting: Yankee Roller, Backtospec and Our Single Doubt.

Gelding Our Single Doubt won by a nose at Cooktown last Saturday over 1400m and now faces a step up in company to the $9000 Ingham Gold Cup Benchmark 60 Handicap this afternoon.

“The horse has pulled up an absolute treat and was bucking and squealing all around the paddock when he got home,” Horner said. “He is jumping out of his skin.

“The 1400m will suit him at Townsville. It is his favourite track; he has a very good record there.

“He has run second four times in quite high races like Benchmark 65 races against some pretty good company.”

The Ingham track has suffered some setbacks beyond the local club’s control, including poor rainfall, and have shifted the five race non-TAB meeting to Townsville.