06 February 2020 | Paul Courts
HANDY squaregaiter Coolbreeze faces a massive task at Globe Derby on Saturday night.
First-up since last October, the gelding is engaged in the South Australia Trotters’ Cup for trainer Lane Johnson.
With his preparation into the Group Two also “less than ideal”, Coolbreeze is among the outsiders from his inside of the second row draw.
That could prove to be positive factor, however, given Johnson’s son, Corey, is set to partner the son of Jeremes Jet.
Corey has registered several wins around the home of SA trotting with stock which have paid more than $50 on the Tote – roughly the odds Coolbreeze will start at!
“Corey is pretty excited to be driving him in the Cup,” Johnson said. “Hopefully he can have a bit of luck.
“The race has been on the agenda all along, but I’ve had a few setbacks with his legs.
“He has been working well at home but would be better off with a race or two leading into it.
“He’s had a couple of trials and done well enough and the draw gives him the chance to get a nice trip along the pegs.”
With numerous Victorians making the trip across for the time-honoured feature, Johnson believes it is the strongest Cup field “for quite some time”.
Although he is the emergency, Ronald J is the $1.90 favourite with TAB Fixed Odds.
Mass Destruction is on the second line of betting at $3.90 with his stablemate Izmok the third favourite at $4.40.
Star mare Kitsilano is regarded as the best of the locals at $7 from barrier four.
“It is a tough field, stronger than last year, so it’s not ideal being first-up,” Johnson said.
“That said, with the right run he will be competitive.”
- PAUL COURTS
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