Perthville trainer Chris Frisby is hoping to land another feature race success this weekend.
The popular horseman has escaped the brutal cold weather from his base near Bathurst and made his annual pilgrimage to Queensland for his working holiday and this week’s Redcliffe Gold Cup is the target.
Frisby is no stranger to success owing to the deeds of tough pacer Dinki Di, a winner of 25 races and more than $300,000 in prizemoney just over a decade ago.
Dinki Di finished 4th in the Redcliffe Gold Cup behind Winning Grin, Home Of Jack and Sparkling Melody back in 2005 edition.
The current stable star is Uncle Lile, a more than useful type that heads to the Gr.3 $30,000 Moreton Bay Regional Council Redcliffe Gold Cup this Saturday night.
Uncle Lile heads to the 2613m standing start feature in peak form following his ‘PB’ performance last week at Albion Park last weekend.
The Dawn Ofa New Day gelding rated 1:53.5 in his come from behind victory.
“He’s in great shape and he’s racing very well, his winning effort last week was very good because he started from a second-line draw and then got a bit of interference at the 600m point before rounding them up. He deserves his chance in this type of race and I believe he’ll race well again.” Frisby said.
Again, Uncle Lile must overcome a wide draw after landing gate 6, the outside of the front-line but the in-form pacer has been plagued by awkward draws throughout his latest campaign.
And this is first official start under these conditions but Frisby isn’t worried.
“He’s a sensible type with really good manners, I don’t see any issues with the stand but it would’ve been nice to draw in a little closer. If he had drawn in close, I would be really confident because I can’t fault him right now and Dean (Cernovskis – driver) is in great form too.
“This horse has done a really good job throughout his career, he’s earned over $200,000 and he just seems to miss that slice of luck when it counts most. He’s either battled bad draws or bad luck in running but he keeps turning up and performing at a high level.
“It would be great to win a race like this, I’ve been coming north every winter for so many years now and I love it up here. The weather is great and the racing is strong and it’s always good to be up here at this time of the year.”
Uncle Lile is rated as a $14 chance with UBET.
While the immediate focus is the Redcliffe Gold Cup, Frisby said future plans with Uncle Lile remain unclear but hinted a future in North America could be a possibility.
“I’m just tossing around a few ideas and maybe that might be the best way to go with him because he’s sound, tough and fast. Let’s just get through this weekend first before thinking about anything else.”
The Redcliffe Gold Cup is scheduled to start at 7.13pm.
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