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Future Plans Uncertain

24 January 2019

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A public trial next week will determine future plans for talented pacer Mattgregor.

Prepared by Chantal Turpin and Pete McMullen, the speedy performer has not raced since competing during the Inter Dominion series in Melbourne last month.

The Rob Roy Mattgregor raced competitively throughout despite having little luck with barrier draws.

Returning home immediately after the series, Mattgregor will trail next week at Albion Park before connections deciding which path to take.

“Sydney is the key focus area, he’s not at Miracle Mile level but there are plenty of other options throughout the carnival and the big thing with him is that he performs best at that track. His record at Menangle is vastly superior compared to all the other tracks he’s race at so it makes for a difficult choice.” Turpin said.

Boasting a record of 4 wins and 2 minor placings from 8 starts at Menangle, his unplaced efforts came via the Gr.1 Chariots of Fire (5th behind Lazarus) and Bohemia Crystal FFA (11th behind Tact Tate).

And a positive showing in the trial will make it hard to overlook the southern campaign.

“There isn’t a great deal happening up here and the winter carnival is still a fair way off so if he goes well in the trial, it will seem an obvious choice to make.

“The Inter Dominion campaign has given him some benefit because there has been a slight change in his mannerisms since he returned home, the three hard runs within a week has certainly made him grow up a little.

“If we go south and get some luck, I think he’ll be competitive in any race he contests. We’ll know more next week that’s for sure.”

A possible companion for the Sydney campaign could be rookie New Zealand based filly Millwood Tilly, a current member of the Mark Jones stables in Christchurch.

Purchased from the Australasian Classic Yearling Sale at Karaka last year by Turpin and stable clients for $13,000, the filly was placed in the care of Jones, a former World Driving Champion (2003 – Canada).

The Terror To Love – Albuquerque filly gave a glimpse of her talent with a nice second at the Ashburton trials earlier this week (Tuesday).

Handled by Sheree Tomlinson, Millwood Tilly led up in the 1609m workout before being grabbed late by Miss Ruby Sunshine in a time of 1:56.9.

Interestingly, both fillies are closely related to Mattgregor.

The Gr.2 $50,000 Pink Bonnet at TABCORP Park, Menangle on March 8 is a distinct possibility if connections decide to head that way.

Chris Barsby | RQ Web News | January 24 | Photo by Dan Costello