Price not looking to Motor too far from home with Mike
WHILE a number of her compatriots are looking across the Tasman, Southland trainer Sophie Price is planning an attack in the homeland with her galloper Motorboat Mike.
Price is looking to stick closer to home after the veteran galloper impressed the trainer in its two return runs.
The nine-year-old was unplaced in its first start back over 1200m before stepping straight to 2000m to run third in the Winton Cup.
She has been more than satisfied with the horse’s two runs since resuming and she is expecting another strong showing from the nine-year-old in The Thomas Green & Howl at the Moon Handicap at Gore on Thursday.
“It’s just the way the programming was, there wasn’t another race for him,” Price said.
“I thought his first run was good and he’s been working well since his last one.
“The track might be a bit firm, but if he gets a good trip he should be thereabouts. I’d be really pleased with him if he finishes in the top three.
“He’s not a good traveller so he won’t be going to Riccarton (for the Christchurch Casino New Zealand Cup carnival), his next start will be in the Cromwell Cup.”
The trainer believes Motorboat Mike is showing no signs of slowing down at its advanced age and has the ability to add to its six career wins.
“He’s better this year than last, he’s come up really well and he’s holding his weight a lot better.
“I’ve got no complaints with him.”