Victorian raider Pounding on the door for a win

By Mandy Cottell and Danny Matthews 

Pounding is on a mission to break a frustrating string of minor placings in the Caloundra Cup.

Consistent stayer Pounding might have more seconds than a clock, but few horses deserve a win more.

In that vein, co-trainers Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman have elected to give him another opportunity to get a victory on the board by backing him up into Saturday's Listed Caloundra Cup at the Sunshine Coast.

The seven-year-old has finished runner-up at five of his past seven starts and while his honesty is difficult to knock, it is equal parts frustrating for connections.

"Pounding is probably going to run second on Saturday, just like he has in almost every other race this preparation," Coleman quipped.

The gelding's past three runs have all yielded second placings, starting with the Andrew Ramsden Stakes in May, the Q22 and the Tattersall's Cup last weekend.

He again looks well placed from a low draw in the Caloundra Cup, but Coleman is keeping a lid on her confidence, saying the stable felt similarly seven days ago, only for Pounding to find one better in the Chris Waller-trained Asterix.

"We thought that about the race last Saturday, to be honest," she said.

"But, he's on the seven-day back-up, which we know he can handle. He is honest. He always goes out there and runs a race.

"He just needs the stars to align and everything to fall into place for him to win one. Hopefully Saturday is the day."

Daniel Moor has the ride on Pounding, who has been given a quiet week in the lead up to the Sunshine Coast feature.

The horse is chasing his first win since the 2024 Sale Cup and is on the second line of early markets at $5.50, behind in-form Sydney stayer Thebudgiesmugla at $3.70.

Meanwhile, Kris Lees will implement a similar formula to the one he used for Bestower's most recent win when the mare tackles the Caloundra Cup on a seven-day back-up.

The five-year-old's last victory came at Warwick Farm in December when she stepped out over 2400 metres off a 10-day turnaround.

At the Sunshine Coast on Saturday, she will line up in the Listed staying feature a week after finishing fourth in the Tattersall's Gold Crown at Eagle Farm. Lees is hoping lightning can strike twice.

"She has raced on a 10-day turnaround and won, so this is slightly tighter," Lees said.

"But, she's come through the 2100 metre race on Saturday well. They just didn't go quick enough for her. It was a small field and a slack speed, but she hit the line nicely.

"Whether she's up to the grade is the question, but it's good prizemoney and a good chance for her and she will be suited by the big track."

With three victories from 31 starts, Bestower doesn't win out of turn, but she is rarely far away.

The mare has placed on another 13 occasions and has only finished outside the top five four times.

From barrier one, Lees expects a competitive performance from Bestower in the Caloundra Cup, provided the race is run at a genuine speed.

"She has a good finish if she gets the right tempo up front," he said.

The stable will also be represented by progressive three-year-old Rustemo in the Group 3 Winx Guineas after he kicked off his campaign with a hat-trick of wins.

They have been in lesser grade, but Lees is happy to test the waters in better company while he's racing so well.

"He has come a long way this preparation," he said.