By Glenn Davis
The weight of numbers is against trainer Darryl Hansen but he remains hopeful of making some inroads into the big premiership lead of rival Stu Kendrick at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday.
Kendrick is a runaway leader for his fifth straight Sunshine Coast trainers’ premiership with 40.5 wins with Eagle Farm trainer Steve O’dea in second place with 27 wins while Hansen is third on 18 wins.
Kendrick will again have a big team of 11 runners lining up in eight races on the nine-event card while Hansen only has three starters.
Hansen knows it will be a difficult task to land a treble but he’s confident his three runners are up to the mark.
“I’ve only got around 26 horses in work compared to Stu who has over 70, so on numbers alone it’s hard to win the premiership,” Hansen said.
“I’ve got three in on Sunday and if they all start they’ll run well.”
The Sunshine Coast is in the heavy range but Hansen would like a track upgrade.
Hansen starts his day with Coastal Boy in the QTIS Two-Year-Old Handicap (1000m) followed by River Boy in the Class One Handicap (1600m) and Coochin Boy in the Class Two Handicap (1400m).
Coastal Boy, a $25,000 buy as a yearling, is making his debut while River Boy broke his maiden on a soft track at the Sunshine Coast on March 2.
River Boy then went down less than one length when runner-up to Miss Severina in a Class One over 1600 metres on his home track on March 18.
Coochin Boy made it two wins in eight starts when successful at the Gold Coast on March 3 before a last start second in a 1600-metre Class Two on his home track two weeks ago.
“River Boy has been racing very consistently and looks a big chance,” Hansen said.
“He led last time and got run down but he’s going well.”
Hansen has warned Coochin Boy is not a definite starter and will decide on race morning whether he takes his place.
“Coochin Boy won well at the Gold Coast two starts back and wasn’t suited in the wet at the Sunshine Coast last start,” he said.
“He’s hopeless on a slow track or worse and he probably won’t run unless the track comes back to good.”
Hansen normally resists running first starters on a rain-affected track but debutant Coastal Boy could be his exception.
“He’s by Hinchinbrook and the breed normally handle the wet,” he said.
“He’s had a few jump outs and is ready to go.
“He’s shown us enough ability to have a future so I’ll probably start him.”
Hansen is looking forward to the Brisbane winter carnival with his four big guns, Monsieur Gustave, Bat A Kat, Pennino and Bring It Home Pop all back in work.
Racing Queensland webnews March 30