Goulburn trainer Matthew Dale has secured one spot in the $1m Evergreen Turf Country Championships Final at Royal Randwick courtesy of Canadian Ruler and has hopes of adding another.
Canadian Ruler (ridden by Nick Heywood) finished runner up in last Sunday’s SERA Qualifier at the Sapphire Coast. The lengthy return float trip paying potentially lucrative dividends now for the lightly raced galloper and connections.
“He’s having a good preparation after naturally winning his first two and then a good strong second down at the Sapphire Coast on Sunday,” Dale recounted.
Jockey Nick Heywood indicating to the tablelands trainer that it was a run that the horse can progress off.
“That was off the five-week break and Nick thought that last Sunday’s run will bring him back on heading towards the final”, Dale offered.
Dale says the final touches with Canadian Ruler ($15 TAB Fixed odds) leading into the Evergreen Turf Country Championships Final are still being tweaked.
“We’re still working out how we get him to the final, whether we give him another run, a trial or a jump out in between, but we’ll decide that over the next week.”
What is certain is that Heywood will be at headquarters on Day 1 of The Championships with the galloper.
“Nick’s going to retain the mount and ride at fifty-seven and a half in the final.”
Dale can now set his sights on a qualifying target much closer to home via the Southern Wildcard at Goulburn on Sunday 22nd March.
Rose Aye ($26 TAB) is the glass half full horse in the camp despite finishing sixth in last Sunday’s qualifier as favourite after a stirring win at Rosehill in a TAB Highway Handicap the start prior.
“She was a bit disappointing not handling the back up and the trip to the Sapphire Coast. I’ll make a call with her over the next week whether she contests the Wildcard.”
Dale says Martini Mumma is in the same boat after finishing midfield in the SERA Qualifier.
“She was just a pass mark there at the 1400m. I may look to freshen her up and bring her back in trip.”
Goulburn will host the Evergreen Turf Country Championships Southern Wildcard race on Sunday 22nd March as part of a big showcase meeting that also includes the Fred Cooper Cup (Benchmark 74 Handicap over 1600m), two country boosted races and a super maiden.
For more information on the Evergreen Turf Country Championships Southern Wildcard race day follow the club on socials or visit www.goulburnraceclub.com.au
Goulburn Soldiers Club & Goulburn Australia are proud supporters of Goulburn & District Racing Club
PHOTO – Bradley Photos.
