It’s been a rugged 12 months for the owners of yesterday’s McKell Cup victor STOCKMAN. After whizzing through his grades and putting together four on the bounce this time last year, the TAVISTOCK gelding had been winless since.
The best of half a dozen runs over the summer were a pair of close seconds at Rosehill, significantly on affected ground. The current campaign had also yielded several frustrating placings including a last start 3rd in the 2400m Winter Cup.
Coming back in trip to 2000m was offset however, by a return to his preferred heavy surface and a peach of a ride from Sam Clipperton.
“He was dynamite today. I think the key to it is that he doesn’t have to give away that big start when he draws well and of course the ground,” said Clipperton.
A faster than average tempo set by tearaway leaders Monreal and Mr Marathon Man was also critical to STOCKMAN’S long awaited breakthrough as it rendered the 2000m a very solid stamina test on the testing ground.
Trainer Joe Pride is contemplating a run in either the 3200m Stayers Cup Saturday at Randwick or the Caloundra Cup at the Sunshine Coast a week later July 3. The Grafton Cup on July 8 is also a potential target.
The McKell Cup was the 53rd victory of the season for the Proven team and 26th for the calendar year.
