16 April 2018 | Graham Fischer
Trainer-driver Paul Fidge is hoping the win of Gus Or Bust at Globe Derby Park on Saturday is finally a change of fortune.
Fidge, who has a good strike rate with his small team of horses, admits he was “cheesed off” earlier in the year.
“Nothing was going right, with viruses and injuries and it all came to a head on SA Cup night,” Fidge said.
“I bought two horses to the track and they were both pre-race scratchings and I thought I’ve had enough so I took a bit of a break.
“Gus Or Bust is the only horse I have in work at the moment but Pocketfullofcash is due back this week and Dontsayawordmajor will be join him shortly.”
Fidge showed his delight at being back in the winner’s list on Saturday with a traditional short whip wave.
Gus Or Bust, specked from $13 into $11.60, came off a 20-metre handicap to score a 2-1/2 metre win from Sun Valley Road ($5.50) with The Dutchman ($44.80), four metres away third.
“I could not have asked for a better run,” Fidge said.
“There was a strong early tempo which ensured the leaders would tire late, then Sun Valley Road made a run going into the back and took me right into the race.
“Gus Or Bust has a good sprint so I sat and waited before letting him stride in the home straight and he quickly went to the front.”
Fidge said the six-year-old would now head to Port Pirie for the $8000 Kadina Trotters Cup (1609m) on Friday, April 27, a race he won last year.
“He sat parked last year to win with Ken Rogers in the sulky. He is not the type of horse to do it tough but over the short trip he was okay.”
Fidge said star trotter Pocketfullofcash had recovered from issues which had plagued him last preparation and hopefully could recapture his best form.
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