RACING at Murrumbidgee Turf Club today was a definite plan B for Queanbeyan trainer Joe Cleary, but that doesn’t mean he’s coming into the race with any less confidence in the lead up to the Wagga Gold Cup.
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Cleary had Landlocked engaged in the $50,000 Orange Cup on Friday before the weather gods interval and the meeting was abandoned wet weather and the state of the track.
Determined to give the eight-year-old another run in the lead up the Wagga Gold Cup next week, the Loam And Stone Country Club (2000m) was the next best option.
“It was a plan B but he needs another blow out before the Wagga Cup and it fits in fantastic with the diary,” Cleary said.
“It could see the rain coming all down the eastern seaboard so I nominated from Canberra, Wagga and Orange to get all the bases covered as he definitely needs another run before the cup.”
Landlocked hasn’t raced since taking out the Gundagai Cup on April 6, earning a place in the Wagga feature.
Cleary couldn’t be happier with how his charge has come through the run and his work in between and is expecting another forward showing.
Apprentice Jason Devrimol has been booked for the ride, giving the top weight a two kilogram weight relief.
After being lumped with 61 kilograms by the handicappers, Cleary said the drop back was seen the horse in well.
“He (Devrimol) rides him in all his track work and deserves the ride, obviously he won’t be on him in the cup, but deserves this for all his hard work," Cleary said.
“With the claim he’s come in pretty darn good.
“He’s won at Wagga and carried 61.5 to win and even though he’s not a big horse he goes a good job to carry the weight that he carries.”
Cleary is no stranger to success over the Gold Cup carnival, winning a Town Plate with Ta Ta Tatiana in 2013, and has had the Wagga Gold Cup plan in place with Landlocked since he was in the spelling paddock and hasn’t hit any major hurdles.
Cleary will also have Stolen Kisses entered in the Town Plate on what could be a big carnival.
In the second feature on the program, a field of 12 three-year-olds in the The Audi Centre Wagga Guineas Prelude (1400m) will be chasing a berth in the Wagga Guineas, with the winner of today’s race exempt from ballot.
The first of seven races jumps at 1.27pm.