It’s all about positive thinking.
That’s the mentality that connections of exciting pacer Mattgregor will take into 2018 and they have big plans for their gifted talent.
Big plans indeed.
The first target will be in his own backyard, the Brisbane winter carnival at Albion Park offers plenty of likely targets while that should springboard him into his other major assignment – the Inter Dominion series in Melbourne at the end of the year.
And he’s ready to step out for the first time this year.
“We’re going to take him to the trials later this week, he’s ready for a hit out and he’ll have a trial or two before we start him again.” Trainer Chantal Turpin said.
At the end of last year, Mattgregor was being aimed at a feature event in Melbourne before being forced to the sidelines after coming down with a virus following his dominant victory at TABCORP Park, Menangle on November 4.
In the end, the big striding gelding was forced to miss a raft of southern summer features while he recuperated back at his Brisbane base.
“It’s been a little frustrating, there’s no doubt about that but his health always comes first and hopefully this will be his time to shine. He’s still a young horse and lightly raced so he’s still got plenty to give.
“His talent is obvious and it’s all about getting him back to track at full fitness and the rest is up to him then. As it stands, we have no short term plans but we have marked the winter carnival and the Inter Dominion as our major focus points for the year. We’re going to aim high; we believe the local carnival should provide a perfect grounding for the Inter series later in the year.
“He’s in terrific shape right now, he’s over all of his issues and he’s ready to go and I know Pete (McMullen – driver) is excited to have him back.”
Last week, connections secured a Terror To Love filly which is closely related to Mattgregor from the Australasian Classic Yearling Sale at Karaka in Auckland.
In another boost for the stable, classy pacer Watch Pulp Fiction is also back in work following his latest scan.
The former New Zealand performer has been sidelined since injuring his nearside front tendon back in October after winning four races in succession at Albion Park.
“We had him scanned last week and everything looks good, we got a very positive result from the vets and he’s now back in work.
“We’ll just take it gently with him and see how he handles it before getting more serious with him; there are no plans at this early stage.”
Chris Barsby | RQ Web News | February 19 | Photo by Dan Costello