Luke Dittman to ride cold on Trubia in Sunshine Coast Cup
Michael Lakey hopes Luke Dittman can get the best out of Trubia (blue at the Sunshine Coast.
Trainer Michael Lakey will call on an old association with jockey Luke Dittman in an effort to maintain Trubia’s unbeaten record at the Sunshine Coast.
Trubia will be having his fourth run this campaign after three unlucky minor placings when he lines up in the $100,000 Sunshine Coast Cup (1400m).
The gelding has won both his starts at the Sunshine Coast and has shown a liking for the big open stretches of the track.
Lakey said he was initially devastated when Trubia drew barrier 18 on Saturday.
“But in hindsight I have always felt he does his best when he is ridden stone cold. For instance at his first run back this time he came from a mile back to be second at Doomben over 1050 metres,” Lakey said.
“He also came from near last when third over 1200 at Doomben at his next start. Both times he was ridden dead cold.”
Trubia has since run third in the Buffering Quality behind boom horse Care To Think.
“He had a better barrier that day and was ridden a bit closer. It was a good run but maybe he could have been ridden bit further back,” Lakey said.
“Sometimes at the Sunshine Coast they go quickly early and you can get across and get cover. Then you can get to the crown of the track.”
Lakey said Dittman was an ideal jockey for Trubia in a big field with plenty of pressure.
“He is very experienced and he is a cool rider. Luke rode a lot or me before he went away as a younger rider and I have used him a few times since he came back,” Lakey said.