Speed Legend targeting Cleveland Bay at Cluden

By Glenn Davis

A lacklustre Brisbane campaign won’t stop Cairns trainer Stephen Massingham from pressing ahead with Speed Legend’s attempt to defend his Cleveland Bay Handicap crown in Townsville later this year.

Speed Legend gave Massingham his first Cleveland Bay Handicap winner at Cluden Park in August last year before his dominant win in the Newmarket Handicap on his home track at Cannon Park.

Massingham sent the nine-year-old to Brisbane where he had two starts at Eagle Farm earlier this month.

He launched his new campaign with a battling sixth in a 1000 metre Open Handicap on April 4 before finishing a disappointing last in a 1200 metre Benchmark race.

“We sent him to Brisbane to get him ready for The Fitzroy at Rockhampton on Sunday but after his last run I decided to bring him back home and get him out of the environment in Brisbane,” Massingham said.

“His first-up run in Brisbane was good but he was very disappointing last start.

“He missed the kick last time and wasn’t interested at all.”

Massingham has warned he won’t hesitate to retire Speed Legend if he doesn’t show an interest to race.

“He’s come home and looks to be going well again and I think he’s okay and he’s still being aimed for the Cleveland Bay again in August,” he said.

“But, he’ll be retired straight away if he shows he doesn’t want to race anymore.”

Massingham hopes to get an indication of where Speed Legend’s headspace is at when the 14-time winner starts in the Open Handicap over 1000 metres at Townsville on Thursday.

He will form part of a three-pronged attack along with stablemates Lean Eagle and Turbeau.

With Speed Legend’s regular rider Ryan Wiggins suspended, Massingham has booked heavyweight rider Aidan Holt to partner the sprinter.

Massingham also is confident the five-year-old Lean Eagle can also book a Cleveland Bay campaign.

Lean Eagle, a $25,000 online buy, has won five of his past six starts and made it four straight with a 1400 metre Benchmark win at Cairns on August 23.

“He’s first-up and is not fully wound up just like Turbeau but they’ve got to start off somewhere,” Massingham said.

“It’s Lean Eagle's first run in Open company and he might need the run as it’s only 1000 metres.

“But, I really like him and he’ll aim for the Cleveland Bay as well, but he needs to take the next step.

“He’s always shown a lot of promise.”

Sean Cormack has taken the ride on Lean Eagle while Jason Taylor partners Turbeau who hasn’t raced since winning a 1250 metre Benchmark race Cairns on August 23.