Solomon Cain maturing into Townsville Cup prospect

By Josh Spasaro

Jake Casey admits Solomon Cain might’ve taken a little while to mature, finally finding consistency after turning three.

In fact, since his third birthday on March 1, Solomon Cain has notched up five victories from just nine starts.

And, if he can compete well from box four in the Townsville Grand Prix Final over 498 metres on Tuesday night, Casey will confidently set his middle-distance chaser on a path towards the Townsville Cup over the same distance on September 5.

“Townsville Cup is only a few months away. That’s definitely a big race,” the 19-year-old conditioner said.

“I think he can compete with the Brisbane dogs and potentially Group 1 dogs.

“Group 1 dogs came up last year and I think he can compete with those. If he wins on Tuesday night that’ll give me a lot more confidence.”

With his sire the great Fernando Bale and dam Amelia Ella, who saluted on five occasions from 22 starts, Casey was always prepared to have patience in his developing dog, who now has 18 wins from 51 starts.

“You can tell he’s definitely matured late, as most Fernando Bales seem to do,” Casey said.

“As soon as he hit three years old, he found another leg. And, Fernando Bale had early speed as well. That’s exactly what he has. He definitely picked that up off his father.”

Solomon Cain was outstanding in his heat victory from the eight box last Tuesday night, crossing the line in 28.63 seconds, one-and-a-half-lengths in front of Rockhampton Young Guns Final-winner Canya Atomic.

It was his second consecutive win and, in both performances, he showed impressive stamina to open a gap on the home straight over the runner-up, also finishing three-and-a-half lengths ahead of Hara’s Cookie in 28.45 seconds on June 3.

“He definitely gets a second wind up the home straight, 100 per cent,” Casey said.

Casey said Solomon Cain will face strong competition on his inside and outside in Tuesday night’s decider, with major threat, Custard’s Son, to start from box three.

The Steven Scott-trained two-year-old produced the top heat time in a sizzling 28.39 seconds, with heat two runner-up Moustache Mick also crossing the line in 28.63 seconds. 

The Rhonda Essery-trained three-year-old will start from box five on Tuesday night.

“Right next to him (Solomon Cain) in the three, Custard’s Son, went 28.39 seconds. That’s close to the track record, so that’s an outstanding run,” Casey said.

“But, if he leads Custard’s Son he should be right. Custard’s Son has got that really good early speed, but Solomon Cain had a quicker run-home time.

“And, also, right next to him in the five, Moustache Mick is another great beginner.

“But, as long as he doesn’t get in trouble and gets a clear run, he should be right.”

Casey is also hopeful that Solomon Cain can ping the lids early because Townsville Young Guns-winner Federal Bullet will start from box seven.

“There are a couple of good dogs outside like Federal Bullet, who just won the (Townsville) Young Guns,” Casey said.

“(Solomon Cain) is not the greatest beginner, but if he gets space he’ll motor up and go around the field.”

Casey said the key to Solomon Cain’s recent success was not overworking him too much.

“Just keeping him happy, really. He spends six hours a day on the massage bed,” he said.

“He’s in there every morning and every afternoon. And, lately, we haven’t even been running him.

“He goes out and runs by himself. That’s all he wants to do.

“We just keep the dog happy and the dog will run. If you change it up, it can be a bit too much for them sometimes.”

Casey has a few other exciting dogs under his care.

Based at Stuart, he trains with his mother and 2024 Townsville Trainer of the Year, Bobbie-Jean Chaffey, as well as Paul Smith.

“We just got a new one, Canya Penny. She’s only been here a couple of weeks. She won in 21.68 (seconds over 380 metres) on Friday. It was a great run by her,” he said.

“We’ve got Sweet Child. We picked her up (in November) last year and she’s been good for us, as well.

“And, we’ve got a couple of other good dogs. We’ve got Emgrand Centre. He’s a brilliant dog from Luke Azzopardi.  And, we’ve got Instinctively, as well. He’s a quick dog. He’s just been out for a bit.

“Those two are exciting dogs, who are coming back. We’ve been trialing them, so keep an eye out for those two.”

Casey also has high aims as a solo trainer, with Mendocino, Verruckt and George Jetson under his care.

“I’ve got three dogs of my own that aren’t as good as Mum’s, but I love it,” the promising young conditioner said.

“I’d definitely love to move to a city track one day and win in the city. I’ve never won a race in the city. And, I’d also love to win a Group race.

“Townsville Cup this year with Solomon Cain, that’s what I’m aiming. But, it’ll be tough no matter what.”