THE trophy cabinet of Tolga trainer Roy Chillemi has more cups than a bra factory but there is one notable omission from his collection.
A mix of poor timing and bad luck has seen the $100,000 Jupiters Townsville Cup Handicap (2100m) elude Chillemi in recent years.
While he would love 2008 to be the year that changes, Chillemi is talking down the chances of his runner in tomorrow’s feature at Cluden Park.
Chillemi will be represented in the race by New Zealand galloper Cross Bar (Davin Green) but revealed the six-year-old’s preparation has been less than ideal.
"He injured his leg which put him back about six weeks and I can’t catch it up," Chillemi said.
"I just have to put him out there and see how he goes.
"I think he’s short a start, maybe two. When it’s 1200m and 1000m horses you can get away with it but not when you’re talking about Cup distances.
"I reckon he’ll probably knock up but hopefully he’ll come out of it OK."
Cross Bar is a cast-off from Sydney trainer Gai Waterhouse’s
stable and is a former Group
placegetter.
If Cross Bar does run out of puff for Chillemi, Fred Wieland’s Havana Wind, Janel Ryan’s Shoot First and George Doolan’s Lovan are the Far North’s other Cup hopes.
Cluden Park is set for a huge afternoon of racing after heavy rain earlier in the week caused the $75,000 XXXX Cleveland Bay Handicap (1200m) to be moved to tomorrow.
Atherton trainer Nathan Schofield has two genuine chances in the Cleveland Bay with Mackay Newmarket winner Bazzooka (Todd Pannell) and Lightning Handicap runner-up Perugin Thought (Chris Whiteley) considered the biggest threats to two-time champion Sea Zulu.
Lightning Handicap winner Citi Boy, trained by Innisfail’s Koster Potamianakis, occupies the next line of betting.
