Stakes win the eventual aim for Tectonic Plate

By Glenn Davis

A decision not to rush talented mare Tectonic Plate early in her career has reaped rewards for Lismore trainer Daniel Bowen.

Tectonic Plate was knocked down for $11,000 at the Inglis sales in Sydney as a yearling and has been a bargain buy for connections winning more than $190,000 in prizemoney.

The daughter of Supido is now six and has started 20 times for seven wins and as many placings.

Bowen has always had a good opinion of Tectonic Plate who kickstarts her new campaign in the Open Handicap over 1000 metres at Eagle Farm on Wednesday.

However, Tectonic Plate will need to overcome a first-up hoodoo and a moderate 1000 metre record to be successful.

Tectonic Plate hasn’t started since finishing third to the Tony Gollan-trained King Kapa in a 1200 metre Open Handicap at Doomben in late February and has never won first-up from four starts, finishing the bridesmaid three times.

She also has won only once in seven starts over 1000 metres although she has finished second on four occasions.

Bowen has had to manage Tectonic Plate in recent times after she developed feet issues which ruled her out of The Kosciuszko at Randwick two years ago.

“She’s had a few joint issues which I’ve had to manage so some rain will help her chances first-up,” Bowen said.

“I was getting her ready for a Listed race earlier in the year, but she jarred up and needed a long time off.

“I had her feet x-rayed and they came back good, so it’s just been a matter of time with her.”

Bowen has given Tectonic Plate four barrier trials ahead of her return and is under no illusion she may need a run or two to find form.

“It’s hard to say how she’ll go but her work has been very good,” he said.

“I’m not under any illusions she may need a run or two as she’s had a long time off.

“It’ll been nearly 12 months since she last raced in February last year, but I’ve given her four barrier trials to get her fit.

“But, it’s got to the point that she needs to kick off somewhere.”

Bowen will see how Tectonic Plate races in her new campaign before chasing black-type.

“Obviously to win a stakes race is our aim with her before she goes to the breeding barn,” Bowen said.

“It’ll be nice to win a Saturday race in town and then plan from there, possibly to a Listed race in the winter carnival.”