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Manzelmann & Tin Roof Raider tough to beat

3 January 2020

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By Duane Ranger

Even humble, in-form Patrick Estate horseman, Lachie Manzelmann, reckons he’ll be saluting the judge shortly after 7.45pm on Saturday.

Not one to speak himself up, the 20-year-old believed the Chantal Turpin and Peter McMullen trained Tin Roof Raider, was drawn to win the fifth event – the Vale Ron Krogh Band Five Pace.

“He’s a classy horse heading through the grades. He’s got a heap of potential, and is still learning to use it. He’s basically in a similar race to last start - and he won easily for Pete (McMullen) that night (December 21).

“The only difference is my claim, and he’s drawn better this week,” Manzelmann said.

Tin Roof Raider, who has drawn the ace, drew two last start, and then ended up being one-out-and-three-back at the bell before McMullen gave him his head at the 600m.

The 5-year-old Mach Three gelding then loomed up on the turn and ran away from them winning by 3.9 metres. His stopped the clock in1:57.2 - with a personal best 1:53.7 mile rate.

Tin Roof Raider has now won 13 races and placed in 21 others for $105,145 in stakes. He opened up the $2.80 favourite tomorrow.

“He’s definitely the pick of my five drives on Saturday. Peter said he won real well last start and should strip even better tomorrow.

“He’s developing into a real nice racehorse and Pete says he just feels like a good pacer. He’s still got some way to go but he’s building into his career nicely,” said Manzelmann, who is employed by Chantal Turpin and her husband McMullen.

Gavin Lang, John Caldow, Greg Sugars, and McMullen have all driven Tin Roof Raider throughout his 57-race career. Manzelmann will get in behind him for the first time.

“I’m looking forward to the drive. I had my first Saturday night winner here last week (the Ron Sallis trained Ruato Bay) since Modern Era won for me on the track on March 17, 2018

“I’m really appreciative of all the drives I get, especially those from my employers. I’m getting a few more now and am really looking forward to getting in behind Tin Roof Raider. I’d love to make it two Saturday night winners in a row,” Manzelmann said.

Manzelmann was born on the Gold Coast. His father John, trains gallopers in Mackay, while his mother, Stacey, is now the wife of Wanora trainer, Ron Sallis.

“I’ve been around horses most of my life. We came to Brisbane about five years ago and I used to work in the school holidays for Peter and Chantal, and then went to Darrel Graham’s stable.

“After that I went and worked for Shane and Lauren Tritton in Sydney. That’s where I drove more than half of my 120-plus career winners. I’ve been back here for four or five months now and love it,” Manzelmann said.

“I’m here to stay. I enjoy my job and maybe one day – a fair way down the track - I’d like to train and drive my own team, but I’ve got plenty of years up my sleeve for that,” he added.

Manzelmann also has four other drives at ‘The Creek’ tomorrow. Here’s what he had to say about their chances (with trainer, draw, form and opening odds):

Race 1: The Ron Sallis trained SPRINGFIELD SPIRIT (8) 67R32 - $17 – “He’s drawn awkwardly at one on the second line and I’ll be hoping for the one horse (Our Memphis Mac - $31) to hold up. This is also a step up in grade for him. This is my first drive behind the gelding and I know he’s a fast little horse, who could get some of this if the breaks go his way.”

Race 2: The Chantal Turpin trained MACH TORQUE (3) 54026 - $21 – “Mach Three mare who shouldn’t be paying that money. This is her best draw for some time. She feels nice, and this will be my third drive in a row behind her. She can figure here especially after her nice run for second here (from gate 11) two starts back. She drew seven last start.”

Race 4: The Craig McKinnis BALLERINA COURU (7) 75310 - $14 – “Talented mare who has unluckily drawn the outside of the front row here. She’s a nice horse and only needs some luck to handle the step up in class. Bodhi Tree (6 - $6) and Innocent Crocker (1 - $3.20) should be the toughest to beat in this race. However, if Ballerina Couru can get close enough on the turn she can figure.”

Race 7: The Ron Sallis trained COMPLY OR DIE  (7) 42415 - $71 – “He will find this very tough from the horrible draw. He’s a claimer stepping up into Saturday night class. Even though his form-line reads okay, I think he needed to draw closer to the markers to warrant a place chance here.”