McGuire has Going Nuclear on winter feature path

By Glenn Davis

A decision not to rush former Victorian Going Nuclear has already reaped its rewards and now ambitious plans have been unveiled for the Northern Queensland Winter Racing Carnival.

Going Nuclear - an Olivia Kendal mount - returns to the racetrack for the first time since early October last year in the Open Handicap over 1200 metres at Townsville on Thursday.

Trainer Matthew McGuire has guided Going Nuclear to five wins in 16 starts since he was transferred to North Queensland.

The son of Nicconi was a bargain buy at an online auction for only $8,000 after winning one of his eight starts for previous trainer Danny O’Brien in Melbourne.

McGuire is a part-owner in the five-year-old in a syndicate which includes his parents Patrick and Michelle McGuire. 

Cricket lover McGuire made the decision not to target last year’s North Queensland winter riches and instead focused on lifting his rating ahead of a bid for this year’s winter sprints in the north.

“It was very tempting to have a go at the winter last year, but his rating was a bit low, so we decided to go through the grades with him,” McGuire said.

“When he first arrived here it took him a bit of time to get used to his new surroundings.

“But, he showed us what he can do when he won the Cape Cleveland which is the consolation race for the Cleveland Bay Handicap.”

McGuire sent Going Nuclear to the spelling paddock after his last start seventh to the Clinton Taylor-trained Divine Purpose in a 1609 metre Open Handicap at Cluden Park on October 5.

“It was a good run and he was only beaten three lengths, but it was always the plan to spell him after that race,” McGuire said.

“He’s come back from the paddock a lot heavier and it will be exciting to see him go around this week as he’s ticked all the boxes and has had a jump-out.

“He might lack a bit of fitness compared to some of the others, but he’s still got his base fitness so he should do a good job.”

McGuire is yet to decide Going Nuclear’s winter goals and will get a better guide after a few more runs.

“The Cleveland Bay looks a nice race for him in Townsville but if he shows he’ll be a good miler I’d love to set him for the Rockhampton Cup,” he said.

“I’m only going to give him about three or four runs this campaign before I tip him out again for the winter.”