Talented pacer Mach Alert is back on track and now looking at next week’s Gr.3 $30,000 Moreton Bay Regional Council Redcliffe Gold Cup.
The former Gr.1 Queensland Derby was forced to miss the bulk of the Albion Park winter carnival features owing to issues with his hooves, the Mach Three gelding pulled up short in his latest effort behind stablemate Avonnova in the Lucky Creed on June 18.
But a sharp trial yesterday (Tuesday) proved the Ian Gurney trained pacer is back on the right track.
Mach Alert won the Albion Park 2138m standing start trial defeating Bio Marinus and Spare Me Days in a time of 2:00.3.
The final mile covered in splits of 30.7, 30.8, 28.3 and 27 seconds.
“He stepped really well, he’s always been a good stand start horse and he felt very comfortable during the workout while he did it within himself over the final stages. His work was really good, he was strong through the line and he seems ready for next week’s Redcliffe Cup.” Winning driver Shane Graham said.
Mach Alert is a proven big race performer from the stand with victories in the Premiers Cup (2011) and the recent Flashing Red at Albion Park, the victory in the Flashing Red was only two starts ago.
He also boasts a victory over Miracle Mile winner Baby Bling at Menangle while being placed in the 2012 Kilmore Cup behind Bitobliss and Caribbean Blaster.
While most of the interstate visitors have headed home this week, the Redcliffe feature looks a great opportunity to make up for some lost time.
Goulburn pacer Spare Me Days has remained in Brisbane and will contest this week’s Listed $25,000 Chris Garrard’s Patrons Purse followed by next week’s Redcliffe Cup.
The Ifihadyourluck entire has been switched from the stables of Brad Hewitt to local trainer Wayne Graham, a winner of the 2009 Redcliffe Cup with Bossys Henry.
Spare Me Days had little luck during his three start Albion Park winter carnival campaign and will be handled for the first time this week by Shane Graham.
“He’s a nice horse, his record proves that and I’m looking forward to driving him this week. He wasn’t far away against the big boys in the open class features at Albion Park and he should prove very competitive.” Graham explained.
“It’s a good quality field this week and it won’t be easy but he has landed a good draw which is a good start at Redcliffe, the Dixon stable will prove hard to beat while Major Cam beat this horse in the 4yo Championship so that just underlines the depth of this race.” He added.
The Patrons Purse last year was taken out by the Grant Dixon trained Majestic Major who was handled by Peter Greig.
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