Goulburn trainer Danielle Seib rolls out some in form gallopers on her home patch at Goulburn on Friday with consistent four-year-old Almahero the flag bearer.
Almahero ($4.40 TAB Fixed Odds) resumes after going to the paddock with a puffed-out chest, his last campaign netting two wins and two minor placings from five starts for connections.
Seib, the former teacher turned trainer is buoyant about his chances first up after a recent trial win at Hawkesbury.
“He has been primed with the solid trial last week over the 1250m against better performed horses,” Seib said.
“He has come through the barrier trial in good order and taken the necessary improvement.”
Seib also believes a Class 2 Handicap on his home track over 1500m looked the best option for the son of Al Maher to kick off his spring campaign.
“We had the TAB Highway Class 2 1500m as a first up target, so we expect him to acquit himself well here.”
Almahero has drawn the rails with Jean Van Overmiere in the pigskin but his trainer says the horse has taken some moulding through his first eleven starts.
“The horse has been a work in progress with his racing manners, he could be difficult as a young horse and credit goes to both Matty Cahill and Jean Van Overmeire.”
“He has tactical early speed but is versatile in his racing pattern so I’ll leave it up to ‘JVO’ to ride the race as it unfolds.”
As of Thursday lunchtime Goulburn looked to have missed most of the serious rain forecast but Seib says Almahero should handle whatever rating goes up on Friday.
“He is proven on all surfaces so the track shouldn’t be a concern, particularly with it being his home surface.”
Almahero kicks off over a middle-distance trip with his trainer referencing it as a good starting point for where he may end up this time in.
“He has been effective over a mile in the past and could step out over further in time if the right opportunity arises.”
Seib has also accepted with two other runners in the opening race on Goulburn’s bumper nine-race program, Chaotic Beauty ($2.50) and Hold Fast To Love.
However, with Hold Fast To Love likely to head to Canberra on Saturday, it will be up to the former to try and start the day on a winning note for the hard working Seib camp.
“Chaotic Beauty has returned stronger this preparation and is working and racing accordingly. The rise in distance and big track should suit, however she always needs luck with her racing pattern. A very genuine mare!”
Seib has also called on the services of Jean Van Overmeire to help with her ‘Big Dance’ aspirations for Tudor Prince. The gelding found lucrative form when switching to the Seib camp last prep, notching four wins on the trot against country, provincial and city opposition. Seib has found a place for him in Sunday’s Daffodil Cottage Bathurst Cup.
“He has returned in good order off a short freshen up and trialled nicely last week behind Almahero at Hawkesbury. He continued to exceed expectations last preparation and the Bathurst Cup has been a long-term target. JVO has struck up a good affinity with him and takes the ride. He should acquit himself well.”
Spring has sprung for the Seib camp with the stable notching six top three results, including two wins, from its last thirteen runners.
Race one of nine at Goulburn on Friday kicks off at 12.03pm with the track currently rated a Good 4.
After Friday the club will host racing again on Tuesday 4th October before sharpening its focus on the $460 000 Goulburn Cup program set down for Sunday 30th October.
Photo: Bradley Photos
