By Adam Hamilton
A STIRRING track workout has convinced Gary Hall Sr his stable star Chicago Bull is better than ever.
And the timing has the champion trainer even more excited.
“I feel like I’ve timed it all well. He’s just now getting to his peak, The run this week (Gloucester Park on Friday) night will top him off nicely for the Victoria Cup,” Hall Sr said.
Chicago Bull is a dominant favourite in Friday night’s $50,000 Group 2 JP Stratton Cup (2130m) at Gloucester Park tomorrow (Friday) night.
He’s aiming for his ninth win on end and his 12th victory from his past 13 starts.
“His work on Tuesday was outstanding, just outstanding. It’s as good as he’s ever worked at home,” Hall Sr said.
“He’s been building nicely and he’s had some easy wins over here, but the plan was always to wind him right up for the Victoria and NZ Cups. It’s all coming together well.
“I deliberately picked the race this week because it’s eight days before the Victoria Cup and he thrives on the quick back-up.”
Chicago Bull will start from gate six tomorrow night and looks like finding the lead, unless the headstrong polemarker Talktomeyourmattjesty wants to try and him out from the pole.
“It shouldn’t matter either way given how well he’s going,” Hall Sr said.
It’s then onto the plane to Melbourne Wednesday night ahead of the Group 1 Victoria Cup on Saturday week.
Then it’s another plane flight from Melbourne to Auckland on Thursday, October 18.
“That gets him there a week or ahead of the race which suits him at Alexandra Park (October 26),” Hall Sr said.
Looking ahead to the NZ Cup, Hall Sr made light of suggestions the 3200m standing-start would be a daunting challenge to a pacer known more for his brilliance.
“Everyone talks about his speed, but he’s tough this horse, very tough. He doesn’t have the point-to-point brilliance of Quinny, but not many in history have had that, but he’s tough and he’s versatile,” he said.
“The distance doesn’t worry me. He’ll love it. I can’t wait to get over there and give it a crack, you know how much I’ve always to have a runner in the NZ Cup.”
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