THERE was a surprise nomination in this Sunday Canola Cup Heats at Eugowra with talented trotting mare Iona Grinner taking on the pacers to try and secure a spot in the lucrative $30,000 Final.
After all Iona Grinner is pacing bred, however, after two starts as a pacer she has been tried as a trotter ever since and has been successful.
And even though she can pace, trainer Troy Williams confirmed that the daughter of Grinfromeartoear will be going around as a trotter in the qualifier.
“It will be a trial for her,” Williams said.
“I don’t usually like trialling my horses and now that she is up in class she will have to go to Menangle when they are running 1:55 so thought this may be a different option.
“I plan on travelling with her a bit this season to Queensland, South Australia and Victoria so thought it wouldn’t hurt to put her around at Eugowra to get her ready for the smaller tracks.”
Originally from Dubbo, Williams has always been drawn to the Canola Cup.
“I’ve always wanted to have a horse in it and now I do,” Williams said.
“You have to be in it to win it and I think she is tough enough.
“She won’t go back to being a pacer, she doesn’t pace well.
“I’ve nominated her for a few pacing races as a trotter but they haven’t stood up and I love the Eugowra program so thought why not.
“I’m looking forward to it.”
Iona Grinner has won 11 races and placed as many times in 44 starts with her best winning mile rate trotted in 1:56.2.
The five-year-old is one of 37 horses looking to qualify for the Lexus of Parramatta Canola Cup (2100m) at Eugowra’s Carnival of Cups meeting on October 3.
The Group Three is the richest C0 event in Australia.
It kicks off the 2016/17 TAB.COM.AU Carnival of Cups Series. Click here to see the Carnival of Cups calendar.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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