Pika Wave on winning run since Townsville move

By Josh Spasaro

Bobbie-Jean Chaffey believes Pika Wave can continue his winning momentum over 380 metres at Townsville on Tuesday night.

The developing two-year-old dog with eight wins from 20 starts has saluted in three of his past four efforts going into race eight on the program.

He looks to be able to cover ground well and in his recent triumphs he has jumped impressively from the boxes.

But, the Stuart-based conditioner knows he will be in good company after exiting box seven – alongside three of his kennelmates – in the $3,350 event.

“He’s been good. As long as he jumps, he’s pretty good,” Chaffey said.

Pika Wave started his first race for Chaffey on August 19 via Londonderry trainer Victor Sultana in Western Sydney.

He has taken to racing in a new environment, winning four of his 10 starts in North Queensland, after coming up empty-handed from his first four races in Townsville.

By Aston Dee Bee and out of Elusive Wave, who won 16 of 69 starts for Sultana, Chaffey believes Pika Wave is a chaser on the up.

“Yes (he can continue improving through the grades),” she said. 

“It took him a little bit when he first came here, but he’s gone really well the past few races.”

Chaffey also has Bar One Smokers, Grinch and Solomon Cain engaged in the sprint race.

The four-year-old Bar One Smokers – a starter in last year’s Townsville Cup – has enjoyed a good career.

He has picked up 18 wins from 109 starts and Chaffey said he should enjoy starting from box three.

“He’s been going pretty good out of the three over the 380 metres. But, it is a strong field, so it’s anyone’s guess,” she said.

“Normally with him if he’s pretty close, he’s always in with a chance. He likes that box, so it should be good.”

By Zulu Zeus and out of Jett’s Champion, Bar One Smokers has also shown good recent form, winning two of his past five starts.

In both of those victories he displayed a nice turn of foot late over 498 and 380 metres.

“If he is close on the home straight, he’s always in with a chance,” Chaffey said.

Grinch’s last win was over the same 380 metre distance and at free for all level at Townsville on August 26.

And, Solomon Cain’s last start was on September 12.

“Grinch has got the four. He doesn’t mind it. Solomon Cain is in the eight,” Chaffey said.

“He’s had a few weeks off, so hopefully he’ll be fresh.

“And, he’s keen for a run. It’s a strong field. You’ve got Cuban Eight and Jimmy Roo out of the one.”