Hosking happy with approach to Townsville Cup heats

By Pat McLeod

Jamie Hosking is currently closing his mind to the many reasons why kennel enigma Jay Walking can reap another away trip bonanza and win the Group 2 Townsville Cup.

That might be difficult this week when he tackles the long drive from Churchable to Townsville for the Cup heats on Friday night.

More than 16 hours on the road is a long time not to think of Jay Walking’s spectacular recent form which has resulted in a Darwin Cup victory and a sensational, record-breaking run in Townsville.

“I try not to get my hopes up too high because it is a long way to drive home disappointed,” the talented young trainer explains.

“I try to keep the mind space very negative and whatever happens after that, then I'll take it.”

Hosking has decided on the same travel plan for the heats as last week’s trek – about 10 hours from noon Thursday through to the Country View Motel at Ilbilbie, which is about 60km south of Mackay. 

Then he will camp overnight and then finish the trip to Townsville on Friday before a return trip on Saturday.

“I winged the travel plan last week with three dogs and it seemed to work and the dogs travelled really well,” he says.

“So, I don't really have to change it. It’s a hit-and-run mission.”

That ‘first look’ at the track over the 498 metre Cup distance resulted in an amazing run.

Jay Walking, exiting from box three, led early and scooted away to a nine-and-a-half length win in 28.21 seconds, which smashed the previous mark held by the highly accomplished Plum Tuckered at 28.32 seconds. 

“Everything about that run last Friday surprised me,” says Hosking.

“The dog definitely isn't slow. He has speed. To be honest, I am learning as much about the dog each week as the people who are watching his races.

“But, I think I might be starting to learn that he doesn't like The Q.

“Everywhere else that he has gone he has done very well. He trialled first-up brilliantly at Darwin and ran two great times going through and winning that Cup. He just hasn't shown that same ability at The Q. I'm not sure what it is.

“So that Townsville run last week probably asked more questions than he answered for me.

“I was impressed by the record because it has been around since early last year and there would have been plenty of good dogs racing on that track since then.”

Jay Walking has raced just 14 times with his five wins coming at Capalaba, Albion Park, Darwin (twice) and Townsville.

He is yet to salute after five starts at The Q.

Hosking isn’t unhappy with his dog’s start from box seven on Friday night.

“Coming out of the seven and a corner start, you still have to do everything right,” he said.

“He is fast and everything else, but you don't get a second chance. You have to nail the start. Potentially Steve Scott’s dog, Farmor Fired Up (box six), may assist my dog’s run in that race.

“When I raced him (Farmor Fired Up) last week, he showed early speed and headed towards the rail.

“But, he did run 28.55 seconds last week, so he will be very hard to run down if that is the case.

“Also, a lot of dogs in this heat are racing on their home track. That is a definite advantage and they are good dogs.

“As a track record holder, you don't just walk up and win the race. You still have to do everything right.”

Jay Walking will contest race five on Friday night, which is the second of six Townsville Cup heats.

Hosking also has two other Cup contenders - Non Stop Tommy in race four and Non Stop Recall in race eight.

Other visiting big-name chasers include Duffman (trained by Jedda Cutlack) in race four, Super Scrub (Travis Elson) in race eight and Daysea’s Rory (Tom Tzouvelis) in race nine.