Darwin owner hopes to Krackacan in Mackay Classic

By Glenn Davis

It took 18 years for Darwin earth moving contractor Peter Kopp to breed his first winner.

The aptly named Krackacan broke the long run of outs when successful at Rockhampton in the middle of February and he later proved the win was no fluke by winning again a month later over 1050 metres at Mackay on April 14.

Kopp races Krackacan in partnership with Rockhampton trainer Darryl Johnston who trained the two-year-old’s mother, Lingalonga Lass.

“I raced the mare. She was tough and had a bit of attitude about her,” Johnston said.

“I bought her for $3,000 online and she came up to me from down south and as a low-grade filly and she ended up winning four races for me.”

Krackacan – a McKenzie Apel mount – will attempt to maintain his unbeaten record when the youngster tackles the Mackay Classic on Thursday.

“Peter has had shares in a couple of horses with me before and he’s been breeding for a long time,” Johnston said.

“But, he’s had so much bad luck with them and Krackacan was the first horse he’s bred that has won in 18 years.”

Johnston believes the Krackacan story has more pages to turn and is hopeful he can progress towards the rich 2YO Classic in Townsville on June 7.

“He’s still learning and has to step up in this race at Mackay,” Johnston said.

“He’s going well but he’s a real dummy when he goes out on to the sand track of a morning at Rockhampton.

“He hates the sand and doesn’t get out of three-quarter pace, but I never use the grass for any of my horses for work.

“But, when it comes to a race day he’s like a light switch and switches on.”

Johnston named the Clinton Taylor-trained pair, Don'tdoubthelady and Ten Pins, as the main threats to Krackacan.

Don'tdoubthelady won on debut in the Breeders Plate at Rockhampton last November which earned her a Brisbane trip for the Magic Millions Classic at the Gold Coast in January.

Don'tdoubthelady placed at Doomben and the Sunshine Coast on the way to the Magic Millions Classic.

Ten Pins’ win on debut in Townsville in March earned him a Brisbane trip.

Ten Pins faded to finish a close fourth to the Ciaron Maher-trained Navy Pilot at Eagle Farm on April 19.

“Hopefully Ten Pins is a bit tired from all the travelling to Townsville and Brisbane and back again,” Johnston said.

“But, he does look our danger along with Clint’s other runner Don'tdoubthelady.”