Trainer Tim Cook has Jewel hopes with filly Agustawynd

Photo credit: Caught in the Act Photography CQ

By Jordan Gerrans

If returning star Sweet Dolly is not at her absolute best first-up, Rockhampton trainer Tim Cook is optimistic Agustawynd can book her position in the QTIS Jewel for next month.

Not seen at the races since QTIS Jewel day on the Gold Coast last year when she claimed the feature two-year-old prize, Rockhampton filly Sweet Dolly is set to make her long-awaiting return this Saturday.

Having to carry just 55kgs under Plate conditions, Kevin Hansen’s filly looks mighty tough to hold out in her return.

But, if there is one to roll the Central Queensland pin-up girl, Cook believes Agustawynd is every chance.

Like Sweet Dolly, Agustawynd is first-up into Saturday’s contest over 1200 metres at Mackay and Cook is more than happy with the way his three-time career winner has come back for her third preparation.

“She jumped out over 500 metres on Monday and she went good in that,” Cook said.

“I am really happy with the way she is progressing, that is for sure.

“She has a lot of ability this filly and it will be just a matter of drawing low and having the right things go her way.

“She has raced good in the past this filly and she has come back a lot bigger, better and stronger.”

The daughter of Spill The Beans has only finished outside the money once in her 12 career starts.

She was unlucky to not take her place in the 2YO Jewel Final 12 months ago, beaten a nose by Ahooshu in the Mackay qualifier, with Ahooshu going on to finish second behind Sweet Dolly at the Gold Coast for the QTIS youngsters.

It took Agustawynd nine attempts to finally break her maiden status before she quickly added two more triumphs.

“She had to fight really hard to win that day with Ash Butler on board and that turned her around,” Cook said of her maiden victory at Mackay in the middle of September.

“To get that victory, a little bit of a kill, the next start she won easily and then go another one not long after.”

If Agustawynd was to get the cash in Jewel qualifier this week, she would head to the Gold Coast next month before returning to CQ for a tilt at the Capricornia Yearling Sale Championship QTIS 3 and 4YO Handicap – worth $75,000 – in April.

Regarded as one of the state's premier juveniles, Sweet Dolly has not been seen at the races since March of last year following a suspensory concern.

Cook joked that the reigning 2YO Jewel champion should carry 75kgs in a race at Mackay, such is her class, but she will lift just 55kgs this Saturday.

With some rain around the state, Cook is hopeful the sting out of the ground may help his runner.

“I would love to have no Sweet Dolly in the race but we have to take her on,” Cook said.

“She is a very, very good and on level weights, we will find it very hard to beat her but in saying that, they all can be beaten.

“They are predicting a lot of rain and I am not sure if she would go around if there were plenty of rain.

“Mackay is a great wet weather track but I am not sure Kevvie would risk her on a rain affected track as she is a very good horse and they have bigger fish to fry with her.”

Cook has a team of three set to go around on Saturday, as well as one galloper on his home track on Friday afternoon.

Apprentice hoop Alex Patis takes the ride of Agustawynd on Saturday after riding the bay filly twice last preparation.

The Olivia Cairns-trained Fire King is also set to be a contender in Saturday’s Jewel qualifier after finishing second in the Cairns heat last week to King Jester – who is trained by Rodney Miller.