Megablast gunning for winning swansong with Tiley
Pukekohe trainer Nigel Tiley is confident consistent stayer Megablast can exit his stable on a high- note.
The six-year-old will tackle Saturday’s Group 3 The Queen’s Cup (3200m) at the Sunshine Coast before transferring to an Australian stable.
Megablast is the winner of six races for Tiley, including an impressive last-start victory in the Listed Caloundra Cup (2400m), having won his first four from Kevin Myers’ stable. With the track rated a Soft 7 and rain forecast on Thursday, it is likely the son of Shinko King will get his preferred rain-affected conditions.
Damian Browne will again partner Megablast, having guided the 104-rated galloper to a Group 2 placing in addition to his last-start success, and the gelding has been allotted the top weight of 60kg.
“He’s got a bit of weight to carry and hopefully he will carry it through the wet track,” Tiley said.
“It was a good run in the Caloundra Cup because he hadn’t had a run for a month.
“He had come off a bit of a set-back and the Caloundra Cup tightened him up nicely. He had a hit-out on the course proper on Tuesday morning and Lee (wife and trackwork rider) was very happy with him.”
Tiley said Megablast would not be returning to New Zealand and feels he will be better placed across the Tasman. “He will be weighted out of most races due to the handicapping system we have at present.
“The system just doesn’t provide for horses like him, so he is better off staying in Australia where he can compete on a better scale and for some decent money.
“He will likely have a spell after this weekend before going to a new trainer, so it will be sad to see him go.”