Open class performer Glenferrie Hood has headed to the spelling paddock.
The multiple feature race winner has been eased-up now by trainer Wayne Graham in readiness for the upcoming Brisbane winter carnival features at Albion Park.
A last start runner-up behind in-form pacer Frankie Rocks at Albion Park on March 3, the Christian Cullen gelding will have a couple of weeks rest before returning to work.
“It was now or never, the carnival isn’t far away and he needed a break and following the news of Pete McMullen (regular driver) being suspended, the timing was right.” Graham said.
With a raft options looming in the coming months, Glenferrie Hood will take on the best locally while several interstate raiders have also signaled their intentions to head north.
Features include the Flashing Red, Redcliffe Cup, Lucky Creed, Wondais Mate and Mr Feelgood while the Sunshine Sprint and Blacks A Fake bring the carnival to its climax in July.
The Gr.1 $200,540 UBET Blacks A Fake Queensland Championship on July 21 is the state’s biggest event and it concludes the 2017/18 Australian Pacing Gold Grand Circuit season.
“There are plenty of good options coming up in the next couple of months and that’s why it’s important he has a freshen-up now before those events roll around.
“Competition will be very strong, it always is each and every year but we’ll aim up and take our shot and see how we go.
“He’s a good tough genuine performer; he races well over all distances and just needs that touch of luck when taking on the very best. I’d like a few more like him.”
Glenferrie Hood was a runner-up in last year’s Redcliffe Cup behind Kept Under Wraps before going amiss; he eventually missed both the Sunshine Sprint and Blacks A Fake features.
The $329,000 earner has been placed 12 of his last 14 starts and has won 5 times during that stretch.
Chris Barsby | RQ Web News | March 21 | Photo by Dan Costello