Wagga mission for Peacock team

The St Fort Peacock team is chasing the spoils at Wagga tonight, with a three-pronged attack.

Heading the team is classy two-year-old Art Major filly Majadore.

The Eric Basham-bred and owned pacer was impressive on debut when third, then last weekend at Albury became unbalanced early and found it hard from that point before finishing sixth.

"She is a lovely little horse and with more experience we expect her to keep improving in leaps and bounds," Tony said.

"There are some nice types in her race tonight, but I'm sure she won't be too far away."

Former Queenslander Cheval Zeppenology bumps into a smart one in Power of Red (winner of his past four - two on the Orange grass track) in the RSL Club Pace.

"His work at home has been OK and we always knew he would take time to get back to his best, having had 12 months off the racing scene," Tony said.

The lightly-raced Flying Moth is a runner in the Wagga Oaks.

A winner of three (two of these at Melton) from 11 starts, "The Moth" has unfortunately drawn wide in the six-alley.

The Oaks event oozes class, but Flying Moth has the ability to match it with them.

The pacer wasn't ever comfortable when seventh at Albury last start, and was held up late.

Stable foreman Adam Richardson takes the reins tonight and he knows the Wagga circuit well, so success wouldn't surprise.

Albury here we come!

It's off to Albury this Saturday night, with the main target being the $10,000 Ian Bruce Memorial String of Pearls.

Flying Moth, raced by the Parkers, of Maryborough, will be looking to bounce back into the winner's circle in the Fillies feature event.

However, while Tony has been happy with her work at the St Fort complex, he concedes she will need an ounce of luck from the back row draw.

"We're hoping some favors may fall our way because the race is only over the short 1770 metre trip," he said.

"And there's some handy rivals with excellent form on paper that we have to contend with as well."

The Peacock stable also has the promising Lusus Naturae and speedy youngster Majadore going around.

Lusus Naturae hasn't raced since May last year when he finished out the back at Brisbane's Albion Park after making a few mistakes.

He has so much promise, so let's hope he puts it all together at Albury.

Majadore was very brave on debut at Maryborough when third on February 2.

If he can repeat that effort he is going to be hard to beat in the lucky last, the Jack Adams Memorial for 2yos.

Spring buzz from St Fort

It's certainly been a busy stud season at St Fort - thanks to an ever-increasing number of exciting stock.

A total of 60 broodmares are calling the picturesque property home at the moment.

In addition there are more than 20 foals on the ground. And, of course, there's two stallions in former exciting race performer Flightpath, a winner of nearly $300,000 in stakes, and well-credentialed sire Genuwine.

Tony makes no secret that he and his partner Pooba Govender aim to further develop the complex, which is now combining its stud operations with a training base.

"We will have four stallions here next season and we will build the brood mare numbers up to around 100," Tony said.

"We have done our homework and purchased some quality mares.

"Some of these were already in foal and have tested positive to an impressive list of sires including Bettors Delight, Auckland Reactor, He's Watching, Tin Tin in America, Sir Lincoln and Mach Three as well as resident sires Flightpath and Genuwine.

"The way we are going we will certainly become one of the biggest stud operations in New South Wales.

"It's exciting times and the industry needs people who are prepared to make a commitment to the future.

"We are definitely here for the long haul and are looking ahead with lots of enthusiasm and optimism.

"The incentives have been put in place for breeders to get young horses onto the racetrack and earn some returns through the enormous amounts of stake money on offer."

Racing news from St Fort sees a number of two-year-olds shaping up well and doing everything asked of them at this stage.

"We have nine or 10 babies going around at present as well as a handful of three-year-olds and a few older ones," Tony said.

The stable is over the moon with the USA performances of former stable star Barimah.

The gelding has impressed with a number of eye-catching wins.

"Barimah did a terrific job when he was here with us and we didn't have any doubt that he wouldn't continue with the good work over there," Tony said.   

Standing at stud - Flightpath $1650

The brilliant Flightpath will be standing at stud at St Fort in the 2016 stud season.

Flightpath had 40 starts for 12 wins, including the 2010 Australasian Breeders' Crown 2yo Colts and Geldings final.  He won $291,563 in stakes with a best mile rate of 1:55.9.

By the inimitable Artsplace, Flightpath is from Stature's outstanding daughter Express Post.  Her lifetime stats of 18 starts, 11 wins and 4 places for $89,483 in stakes fails utterly to describe the impact of Express Post.

In addition to Flightpath, she produced two other foals, Petousa (34 starts, 19 wins $180,217) and For Dear Life (28 starts 14 wins $322,330).

Some of the more than 40 winners Flightpath has sired include Alphitonia, Tulhurst Sarsha, Flytomo, Quagmire and Flight Express (all winners of more than $50,000).

Flightpath is owned by Wayne Honan, the son of the legendary late Jack Honan, who Tony worked for in the 1970s. 

"Wayne made the call that Flightpath's racing days were over and I'm excited he offered me the chance to stand him at stud," Tony said.

"He is a magnificent-looking horse and can't be faulted in any way," he said.

"I'm actually handling a Flightpath yearling at the moment and it's beautifully-gaited with a perfect temperament and that's a common story people who have the youngsters are telling.

"Just recently five of his progeny won within a week and another three have popped up at Parkes and Globe Derby in the past few days."

Studmaster duties are nothing new to Tony, who has, in the past offered noted sires at stud including Armbro Oliver, Chairmanoftheboard, Oil Burner and Stature

St Fort is offering Flightpath services at $1650 (with free return) and breeders have already been showing solid interest.  Bookings can be made by contacting Tony.

Check out the breeding here

Lombo to light up Adelaide

Eight-year-old gelding Lombo Flashlight has gone interstate tonight in search of another victory.

The pacer, a winner at two of his past three outings, takes on a field of South Australians in the $8500 Lakeside Nissan Multicultural Claiming Cup at Adelaide’s Globe Derby Park.

Lombo Flashlight has drawn well in the number three alley and will be handled by up-and-coming junior reinsman Joshua Holberton.

After an eye-catching win at Melton on March 18, Lombo Flashlight didn’t enjoy a great deal of luck at Echuca when 6^th, before bouncing back into the winner’s circle at Mildura on April 7.

Tony said the gelding had continued to thrive on a combined workload of jogging on his heavy sand track and a swimming regime.

“He certainly has his head in the game at the moment and fingers crossed he puts up a solid performance in Adelaide,” he said.

Lombo Flashlight, a winner of 17 races from 92 starts for a purse of more than $112,000, is owned by enthusiastic long-time owners Martin and Kaye Hartnett, of Melbourne.

The claiming feature event has attracted a handy field with the hardest to beat being Big Gorilla, with Jaydens Castle and Cheap Tint also in the mix. 

Lombo lands the money

The stable posted an impressive winner during last week's popular Mildura Pacing Cup three-night carnival.

Eight-year-old gelding Lombo Flashlight took out the Sunraysia Daily Claiming Pace, courtesy of a brilliant drive by stable reinsman Damian Wilson.

Lombo Flashlight (Bettors Delight-Lombo Light Speed) pulled out plenty over the final stages to land the money - his second win in just three runs since being transferred to Tony at St Forte.

The pacer is raced by long-time supporters of harness racing in Martin and Kaye Hartnett. The mile rate for the 2180m trip was a comfortable two minutes.

Lombo Light Speed (Troublemaker-Lombo La Paree), the dam of Lombo Flashlight, was certainly no slouch on the racetrack herself, winning eight races with eight placings from 40 starts for $40,000 in stakes. While grand dam Lombo La Paree posted an impressive eight wins from 14 outings for earnings of more than $110,000.

If the stable decides to continue to race Lombo Flashlight in the claiming events, there’s a fair chance someone wanting to take a fit and competitive racehorse to the track will be quick to snap up the opportunity.

Other news is centred around a bunch of youngsters who are progressing nicely and continue to impress. They should be seen at the racetrack soon.  

Moth flies the flag for Victoria

Smart two-year-old filly Flying Moth will be flying the flag for Victoria on Saturday night at Bathurst.

Flying Moth, raced by long-time stable clients in Len and Irene Parker, has drawn saddlecloth number seven in the $102,000 Gold Tiara Group 1 Final.

The Art Major-sired filly is the sole Victorian representative in the prestigious event which just oozes with class.

Regular stable driver Damian Wilson, who steered Flying Moth to a Melbourne victory two starts ago, will again partner the filly after earlier this week gaining a medical certificate clearance to drive in NSW.

“Damo” was forced to step down in a heat of the Tiara, with Nathan Jack taking the reins to fill second placing behind Rubies For Tash.

The wide draw hasn’t done Flying Moth any favors, but the youngster possesses electrifying gate-speed so she could be handily placed with an ounce of luck.

BARIMAH EARNS A BREAK

Connections of stable pin-up boy Barimah have decided to give the Bettors Delight gelding a well earnt rest after a solid campaign in recent months.

Raced by Pooba Govender along with the Cormack and Nicholson families, Barimah posted four wins and three minor placings from 13 appearances this season for a handy $66,000 in stakemoney.

His impressive lifetime summary reads 30 starts for 10 wins and seven placings for earnings of more than $125,000.

Tony was delighted with Barimah’s effort in the recent Kilmore Cup, finishing 6th behind boom Emma Stewart pacer Yankee Rockstar.

After being caught wide early, Barimah was restrained and his effort to then finish just seven metres from the winner was pleasing.

“He has done a terrific job for us and I have no doubts at all that he will come back bigger and stronger after a spell,” Tony said.

Flying Moth to light up Bathurst

The on again, off again and finally on again decision to run at the popular Bathurst carnival by the stable could prove to be a successful one.

In-form youngster Flying Moth, fresh from an outstanding victory at Melton recently, has drawn barrier six in heat three of the Gold Tiara tonight.

On paper, the Len and Irene Parker owned pacer looks awfully hard to beat---particularly if the daughter of Art Major finds the lead.

The experts tell us that Flying Moth should lead with pole marker Jules and Denise (Mat Rue), who has gate speed, possibly opting to take a trail and then using the sprint lane. Rousey, from barrier three, with Murray Sullivan aboard, is another who will have admirers.

However, Tony is confident of a strong showing, saying “the moth” has trained on brilliantly from her strong Melton victory.

 Fingers crossed she gets through to the final on March 26, which carries a nice $100,000 purse.

 TONY HEADS BACK TO OLD STOMPING GROUND

Another Kilmore Cup is upon us.… and a long plan becomes reality for Tony.

Months ago he drew a circle around March 19 on the stable calendar, hoping that stable pin-up boy Barimah could hold his form and be a runner in the $70,000 Kilmore Cup.

And it has all come to fruition with the five-year-old pacer drawing the number three saddlecloth in the group two feature this Saturday night.

Tony, now at Moama, spent 16 years based at Kilmore (formerly Vin Knights property) and would obviously enjoy nothing better than hometown success.

Not that he hasn’t enjoyed it before with Reba Rajah (Brian Gath) and Ohoka Nevada (Damian Wilson) tasting cup success.

Needless-to-say Barimah is going to have to be at his very best in the cup, with the event attracting such brilliant pacers like Beautide, Yankee Rockstar, Ohoka Punter and Messini.

The Kilmore Cup is scheduled to be run at 9.30pm.      

Stable tries its luck in the Goldfields

The Peacock Stable heads to Ballarat on Thursday night and Bendigo the following night, with two strong each-way chances.

Last-start Mildura winner Mulgrave should certainly make his presence felt at Ballarat in Race One, from the favorable number two alley.

The gelding is competing in a claiming race, restricted to those horses with assessments of CO to C4 only.  

As a C3, Mulgrave is drawn well, courtesy of his $3000 claiming tag in the  preferential barrier draw on claiming price race conditions.

On paper, the Grant Campbell-trained One Tough Reign looks the hardest to beat, having been runner up in four of his past five starts.

Barimah heads to Bendigo

Stable pin-up boy Barimah will compete in the fast-class event for C7 or better horses at Bendigo on Friday night.

All going well, Barimah is certainly going to be one of the major players at Bendigo, especially with his number four barrier draw.  

The hardest for him to beat is the Kerryn Manning-trained Giuliani, who ran an eye-catching second last start at Melton behind the brilliant Yankee Rockstar.

Fingers crossed Barimah can do the job and Tony can head back to his old stomping ground Kilmore for the $70,000 Kilmore Cup on Saturday week.

Barimah shows grit

Bettors Delight-sired pacer Barimah again showed his fighting qualities with a strong effort in the group three Charlton Cup.

Barimah was terrific in finishing third after being unable to hold off late challenges from eventual winner Jadahson and runner-up Five Star Anvil --- with the winner returning a solid mile rate of 1.57-9 for the longer 2570m trip.

After being restrained early from his outside front row draw, Barimah was worked forward by Damo (Damian Wilson) when the “dust had settled.”

He got to the top after being asked to work past Beachstar and was rated a treat with splits of 31.6, 30.6, 28.5 and then home in 29.2.

Connections of Barimah - Pooba Govender, the Cormack and Nicholson families - considered competing in the Ouyen Pacing Cup on Sunday, but decided to target a race at the spacious Bendigo circuit instead next Friday.

Tony said Barimah had enjoyed a short let-up prior to Charlton and he’s confident the horse is ready to again show his best.

“We’ll just keep ticking along with him, with perhaps the $70,000 Kilmore Cup on March 19 being an option,” he said.

MOTH IN THE LIMELIGHT

Last start Melton winner Flying Moth is being aimed at the rich pickings of the Vicbred and Breeders Crown series in Victoria.

Owners Len and Irene Parker contemplated a trip to Bathurst in a few weeks for the Gold Crown carnival.

“That would have been a big road trip and heaps of fun, but you have to think what’s best for your horse – and at this stage we reckon we are better to potter around here,” Parker said.

The two-year-old filly, by Art Major, is a half-sister to the ill-fated former smart mare Lively Moth, who had 49 starts for an impressive 16 wins (career best of 1.53-1) and 13 placings for more than $230,000 in stakes.

Lively Moth (by Live Or Die) died earlier this year after delivering just one foal, a Bettors Delight 2yo filly, Lovely Moth, who shapes as a bright prospect.

Tony said he had always had a big opinion of Flying Moth.

“But if there’s a flaw in her make-up, I suppose that would be she’s a terribly slow learner,” he said.

  “There was never any doubt she didn’t possess enough speed; it was just she was not real quick to pick things up----however hopefully she has now turned the corner.”

Tony says there’s very little between Flying Moth and Lovely Moth.

“Fingers crossed, but I reckon there’s exciting times ahead with these two youngsters,” he said.

 *Hoofnote: Flying Moth is the third winner, all in sub two minute times, from the unraced Classic Garry matron Moody Moth.

Flying Moth shows a wing on every hoof

A fantastic drive, a superb run and an awesome result...Flying Moth was in the spotlight at Melton last night.

Driver Damo Wilson, fresh from a 25/1 winner at Mildura the previous night, scored a 10/10 for his drive in the Youthful Stakes, summing up the race to perfection.

Len and Irene Parker, owners of Flying Moth, deserve all their success, having been staunch supporters of harness racing over many years, both as breeders and owners.

The Parkers bred Flying Moth and are thrilled with her  early success.  The filly is by Art Major USA out of Moody Moth (Classic Garry) and is a half sister to their very successful mare Lively Moth.

See stories by Cody Winnell and Paul Courts below -- thanks Cody and Paul!

http://www.harness.org.au/news-article.cfm?news_id=29088

http://harnessnews.com.au/2016/02/ready-to-match-her-famous-sibling/

Mulgrave shows the way for big weekend

An impressive all-the-way Mildura win on Wednesday night by Mulgrave, hopefully is the turning point for better things to come.

Mulgrave is part-owned by long-time stable supporter Greg Stubbs, along with a heap of his mates, and zipping straight to the front, appeared to have the race in his keeping from the early stages and won accordingly. 

Congratulations to the patient connections!

Melton

The spotlight now turns to Melton on Friday night when the Len Parker-owned Flying Moth is lining up in the Youthful Stakes. 

The youngster has drawn the extreme outside front alley (barrier 7) in the race for two-year-old fillies. 

Flying Moth's race debut recently at Swan Hill was full of merit, as she dragged a flat tyre for the majority of the event before filling third placing.  

However, the filly has come up against some strong opposition, with the headline act being recent brilliant Pink Bonnet winner, Eliza Dushku, trained by Amanda Turnbull.  

Albury

The Peacock stable is represented at Albury on Saturday night with former Kiwi Conversion lining up in the Derby, which carries close to $10,000 in stakes.

The colt's first two runs in Australia have been luckless for a fourth and a third and with an ounce of luck at Albury, he should be right there.

Charlton

Stable favorite Barimah wraps up the three-day Peacock campaign at Charlton on Sunday.  

"Bazza" has come up with exactly the same saddlecloth as Flying Moth -- number 7, outside the front row.  So needless-to-say, while he has the class he is still going to need a touch of luck in the $30,000 feature event.

The pacer looks well graded, with possibly Beachstar and Five Star Anvil the ones to beat.

Good luck to the trio!

Third time lucky!

Former New Zealander Conversion steps out in the Albury Commercial Club Directors’ Derby on Saturday night.

The three-year-old hasn’t enjoyed the best of luck in his first two starts for the Peacock stable, but fingers’ crossed, it will be a case of third time lucky in the feature race, worth nearly $10,000.

While the shorter trip of 1770 metres is certainly up his alley, the back row draw of barrier nine isn’t ideal.

Conversion has trained on well after last week’s big effort at Swan Hill where the odds were always going to be against him from the draw, and with early disruption to the field, was 60 metres off the lead at one stage.

The Albury feature race has attracted a handy field with the Wayne Potter-trained Itz Billy Hills, a Bettors Delight-sired gelding, having form on the board with two wins from two starts, both at Cobram. 

MOTH SHOWS MIGHT

Well-bred youngster Flying Moth, owned by loyal stable supporter, Len Parker, showed plenty of heart at Swan Hill last week.

The two year old, making its race debut, finished third and only five metres behind the winner Karalta Kruse, who jogged along in front before dashing home a last quarter in a sizzling 27.7.

The “moth” showed enormous heart by dragging a flat tyre for the majority of the race after being checked at the start, and is sure to benefit from that first-up run.

Smart 3yo Kiwi arrives

Former Kiwi three-year-old colt Conversion has arrived from across the “ditch” in outstanding condition.

The pacer was restricted to a few days of light work at St Fort, before Tony decided to click him up.

“I just let him bowl along under his own steam and he certainly has a touch of class about him,” he said.

The son of Christian Cullen impressed so much so that he will hit the race scene now earlier than first planned.

Conversion has drawn the number 11 alley in race 9 at Shepparton this Thursday afternoon.

The pacer, an impressive Addington winner two starts ago when in the expert hands of leading NZ horseman Mark Purdon, has two wins and two placings from six lifetime outings.

Meanwhile another Kiwi youngster, also sired by Christian Cullen, could be here by the end of the week.

“He has been checked over and given the thumbs up by a top New Zealand vet---and travel arrangements are well in hand,” Tony said.

Anyone interested in joining the excitement of harness racing, should contact Tony asap on 0419 331868 as a small number of shares are available. St Fort is based at Moama, near Echuca, and is a comfortable few hours drive from Melbourne.

Owners with the Peacock stable are welcome to visit the 700 acre property by appointment---and quite possibly end up later that night at the glorious Moama RSL Club for dinner and drinks!   

Stable Whispers - More youngsters at the trials...and more

PARKER PAIR AT TRIALS

The stable took a few more youngsters to the trials this week, and importantly, returned home smiling.

Len Parker well-bred pair Flying Moth (Art Major-Moody Moth) and Lovely Moth (Bettors Delight-Lively Moth) competed in the 2YO trial at Bendigo on Monday night.

They ran 3rd and 4th, without being bustled, behind Lace And Diamonds, prepared by Monique Burnett, who posted a two minute mile rate for the 1650m trip.

Incidentially, bragging rights went to Brian Gath, who drove Flying Moth, finishing ahead of old mate Tony on Lovely Moth!

Errol Stockton-owned maiden Red Ruffy also trialled, finishing 6th in a combined 3yo, co and c1 trial.

BARIMAH READY FOR ‘BOURBON’

If “Bazza” can get an ounce of luck and get an earn at Melton this Saturday night, there’s sure to be more than bourbon flowing at the St Fort stables on Sunday.

The gelding (a winner of four from eight starts this season for $62,000 in stakes) has drawn wide in six off the front line in the Cougar Bourbon Pure Steel, over 2760metres.

Stable insiders say his work this week has been awesome, so fingers crossed.

“Damo” Wilson got him away brilliantly from the tapes at “take one” of the recent Shepparton Gold Cup, but then at the next attempt he copped a bad check and was inconvenienced----and that was the difference of being in the front four rather than the back four. But that’s racing!

The Pure Steel feature event has attracted a classy field and you can bet there will be fireworks from the word go. Hopefully Barimah lobs in a handy forward position and can show his customary strength over the final 450metres.

KIWI NEGIOTATIONS GOING WELL

Those wanting to join the thrill of racing a classy three-year-old pacer would be advised to keep in touch with Tony as negotiations to obtain another NZ Christian Cullen-sired horse are progressing well.

“Reports coming from New Zealand regarding this particular pacer are extremely exciting and when it is all finalized, we will sit down with genuine syndicate members and go over it all,” Tony said.

“From what I have managed to source from over there, and also watching some race replays, the horse has plenty of upside --- he is an eye-catching fella that’s for sure.”

Stable Whispers - Kiwis coming to St Fort

After waiting and watching for some time, the stable is over the moon with the purchase of Kiwi 3yo colt Conversion – and further exciting news is that there are plans for another 3yo to soon cross the Tasman when negotiations are finalized.

Tony said he had his eye on bay colt Conversion (Christian Cullen-Coburg) for a while and was thrilled to be able to get the horse.

“He is lightly raced and has two wins and two placings from six lifetime starts with a winning rate of 1.56-6 to his name,” Tony said.

“Prior to his two wins, he was runner up at a metro meeting, going down by a neck in an impressive 1.55-6.”

Shares in Conversion, due to arrive in Australia early next week, were snapped up quickly, however those who missed out will be happy with the news that Tony is very close to buying another well-credentialed 3yo – also sired by Christian Cullen.

“I have some good contacts in New Zealand who recommend horses and then I check them out on race replay videos and go from there,” Tony said.

“We are prepared to pay a bit for them as they have the form on the board and the owners will not only enjoy getting nice returns for their outlays, but they will also enjoy the thrill of racing,” Tony said.

The stable has had a terrific strike rate with progeny of Christian Cullen over the years.

Anyone keen to get a “heads up” with the next syndicated horse should contact Tony now on 0419 331868.

STABLE favorite "Irish" is Sydney-bound

IRISH OFF TO SYDNEY

A stable favorite in eight-year-old square-gaiter, Irish Whisper, will soon leave to continue his racing in New South Wales after recently being sold.

“Irish”, who is a bit of character and has won the hearts of stable workers over the past five months, may have one farewell start for Tony next weekend in Melbourne.

“At this stage the plan is for us to start him at Melton on Saturday night and then he will head to Kevin Pizzuto’s stable where he is sure to get the job done ok,” Tony said.

Irish Whisper had seven starts for the Peacock team for two wins (St Arnaud and Cobram Cups) and two placings for over $26,000 in stakes.

FLEET O’ FOOT BARIMAH

Rising star Barimah has been working strongly on his home track after being out of the money at his past two starts at Adelaide’s Globe Derby Park and Shepparton.

“Those two runs were obviously a bit below par, but he was a little off color in Adelaide. I’m sure he had a touch of colic and then the long trip over and back to SA in hot conditions perhaps didn’t do him any favors in the lead-up to Shepparton,” Tony said.

Connections are now pushing on and aiming the gelding for Melton on Saturday in either the $20,000 Pure Steel standing start event, or and M1 to M3 $18,000 pace.

The Bettors Delight-sired pacer has been in brilliant form this season for owners Pooba Govender, the Cormacks in SA, and the Nicholson family, of West Wyalong.

BABIES CHECK OUT ECHUCA

Four unraced two-year-olds being prepared by Tony and his team strutted their stuff at Echuca this week during a trials night.

It was just another step in the education preparation for the youngsters and we can report they were all on their very best behavior.  

The stable also took seasoned racehorse Mulgrave, owned by Greg “slip, slop, slap” Stubbs, of Castlemaine, to the trials and he finished 2nd, while the Errol Stockton owned Red Ruffy did likewise.

'Bazza' chasing some gold

enthusiastic owner pooba govender with his brilliant pacer barimah. pooba races the gelding, who has amassed over $120,000 in stakes, with the Cormack and nicholson families.

Stable star Barimah will strut his stuff in Saturday night's $75,000 Group Two Shepparton Gold Cup.

"Bazza" has pulled up well after a long trek to Adelaide and back last weekend, where he was the hard-luck story in the SA Cup.

"We looked after them on the way by taking a couple of breaks and getting them out of the float for a pick on grass and to stretch their legs," Tony said.

"By doing this routine it's paid dividends because Barimah's work this week has been exceptional," he said.

"We always said he was going to need luck in SA and his effort to finish fifth was huge."

However the gelding is going to have to be at his best, because the Shepparton Cup has drawn a smart field, including recent Horsham Cup victor Keayang Steamer.

"But we are really looking forward to the cup because he just seems to be getting stronger and stronger."

Meanwhile, travelling companion Irish Whisper is enjoying a few light weeks after a tough campaign in recent months.

The stable also has Fours Enuf Tas (barrier 10) in the C2-C3 Pace Final at Shepparton, while up and coming youngster Illawong Bondi (barrier 1) is lining up in the two-year-old Pace.

Bondi gave a pointer for things to come with a recent eye-catching Bendigo trial win.