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Spurcraft's reputation as speed machine tested at Sunshine Coast

25 January 2019

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By Glenn Davis

Talented sprinter Spurcraft’s reputation as one of the State’s fastest sprinters will be tested when the gelding attempts to win his Sunshine Coast debut on Saturday.

The lightly raced five-year-old has started only 10 times for six wins and four placings and is yet to race at the Sunshine Coast where he will be second-up in the Open Handicap (1200m).

Spurcraft earned his reputation as one of the quickest horses in Queensland last year winning his way through restricted grades.

Toowoomba hobby trainer Charlotte White threw him in the deep end in the Listed Chief De Beers when he was still eligible for a Class Five and he almost pulled off a remarkable victory before being caught late by the David Vandyke-trained Gracida.

Spurcraft was narrowly beaten in his summer comeback by the Tony Sears-trained Basara in a 1000-metre Benchmark race at Ipswich on January 5.

“If he goes well in this field, I might take him to Sydney soon,” White said.

“I’m happy with the way he’s going. He had a jump out and then had no luck at Ipswich.

“I don ‘t think he has lost any of his speed but if you read the stewards’ report he struck some early trouble and was caught wide at Ipswich.

“The good thing about Ipswich is it showed me he can settle in his races and doesn’t have to lead.”

White had planned to send Spurcraft to Sydney last campaign but he fractured a split bone winning at Doomben in July.

White expects another strong showing from Spurcraft who drew barrier six in a hot field which features the return of Stakes winning mare From Within, Tumbler, Mr Marvellous, Basara and Gracida.

In latest TAB markets From Within is a $3.40 favourite ahead of Spurcraft at $3.60 while Mr Marvellous is at $3.90 and Tumbler at $5.00.

Meanwhile trainer Barry Lockwood expects a strong performance from Tumbler who also is on trial for a Sydney trip.

Tumbler has raced since finishing second to the Ben Currie-trained Amanaat at Doomben in late July but trialled well at Doomben earlier this month.

“She’ll run well first-up and she was only beaten in her last few runs because of the way the races were run,” Lockwood said.

“If she runs well enough, I’ll take her to Sydney for a fillies and mares race next month along with Fiery Heights then come back for the Brisbane winter carnival.”

Racing Queensland webnews  January 25