Tallyho Rolls Up The Winner Amid Shaky Start
Back from a disappointing Doomben run recently, Cushion Track pro Tallyho ($2.80 fav) ignored the wet and turmoil surrounding him to live up to expectations and win the first race at Clifford Park on Saturday.
Heavy afternoon rain across Toowoomba threatened to disturb the meet, with 24mm falling in 40 minutes, and two late scratchings at the barrier added to the shaky start.
Trainer Jacky Crompton said she was quietly confident heading into the Thank You French Concreting Class 2 Handicap 1200m despite the variables on the night not being in Tallyho’s favour.
She opted for a gear change in preparation for the race and the four-year-old’s lack of experience in wet conditions stuck firmly in her mind. “This is the first time we’ve put blinkers on him and he was actually back further in the field than he was last time,” Crompton said. “This weather is always a bit of a worry and he’s never raced on a wet track. The worst he’s ever run on is dead on a grass track.” The runners powered down the straight to end with a photo finish for the first three, and after a short deliberation from the judges, Tallyho was awarded the win by half –a-length over Tough Taimz ($7.60), with Punto Vista ($43.10) in tow.
The gelding’s last run at Doomben two weeks ago left Crompton dissatisfied, but she acknowledged the placing was tough. “Doomben wasn’t to suit, so we thought we’d return him to Toowoomba for a run,” she said. The victorious return means Tallyho’s record now stands at two wins from three starts at Clifford Park, and his trainer thinks he can jump to middle-distance. “He’s won two at 1200m in Toowoomba now, and he might be better suited to 1350m; perhaps a mile,” Crompton said.
She said strategic race placement is vital to the success of her stable and she will keep looking for optimum races for the up-and-coming galloper.
Story - Brandon Long
Photo - Trackside Photography
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
