Ross looks to avenge his Breeders Plate luck

By Glenn Davis

Eagle Farm trainer Les Ross is hopeful it will be second time lucky when he takes a small team north for the QTIS Breeders’ Plate meeting at Rockhampton on Friday.

Ross has six horses headed to Callaghan Park but his main mission will be the two divisions of the Capricorn QTIS Breeders Plate over 1050 metres.

Mishani Trouble will run in the colts and gelding’s division while Gypsy Isle tackles the fillies race.

Both are owned by Ross’ major owner Mike Crooks and his Mishani Enterprises, and will be ridden by top Brisbane jockey Jimmy Orman.

Mishani Trouble has started twice, finishing a well beaten seventh on debut at Eagle Farm on October 3 before a last start fourth in a maiden at the Sunshine Coast on October 25.

Gypsy Isle - a daughter of Better Than Ready - finished eighth in her debut at the Sunshine Coast on October 18.

“I’ve got a lot of two-year-olds and it’s hard to place them but these races look attractive races for both,” Ross said.

“I tried to win these races three years ago with Mishani horses but both ran second so I’m hoping my luck can change this time.”

Ross believes the seven-hour float trip from Brisbane will be a test for both youngsters.

“The trip north will be good for their education but seven hours or more in a float is a long time for a two-year-old,” he said.

“I’m hopeful both will run well and I’ll be disappointed if they don’t - it’s a bit of a hit and miss for both.

“As well as the two two-year-olds, I’m sending up a few older horses as well.

“Mishani Trouble is a nice horse and he’ll run well while Gypsy Isle has improved a lot since her run at the Sunny Coast.”

Ross will start Defence Missile in the Class Five Handicap over 1100 metres despite the five-year-old allotted topweight with 65.5kgs.

“He’s a city horse but 65.5kgs is a lot of weight,” he said.

“I’ve been training for more than 30 years and I’ve never had a horse carry that weight.”

Ross has been a regular visitor to Callaghan Park for many years but doubts he can repeat his best effort there.

“I sent five horses to Rocky about 20 years ago when I was training at Miles and had four winners and a second but I doubt that will happen this time,” he said.