Takeover Target can motor home at Townsville

By Josh Spasaro

Townsville trainer Michael Hickmott believes he received a slice of good fortune after receiving approval to name his chaser Takeover Target.

And, like the legendary late galloper who went on to win over $6 million in prizemoney after being purchased by New South Wales taxi driver Joe Janiak for just $1,250, the two-year-old also has an excellent turn of foot.

The Moving Target and I’m A Dancer dog has won two of his past four starts going into his upcoming event over 498 metres at Townsville on Tuesday night.

“We all know the story about the taxi driver. I thought we’ll put in Takeover Target and we won’t get the name,” Hickmott said.

“But, I couldn’t believe it when it came up.”

Hickmott has also been pleasantly surprised with Takeover Target’s finishing ability despite his tendency to drift wide at the turn for home.

The 69-year-old said he hasn’t felt the need to amend this trait, with his black dog so far registering seven wins from 24 career starts.

He will start from box eight this week.

“I haven’t bothered because he will go on the inside if a gap is there, but I’m quite happy with it,” he said.

“He’s got unbelievable pace and a good motor when he lets go, so I don’t care about that.

“Unfortunately, he’s just been a bit tardy with his starts.”

Takeover Target’s uncle, Stanley Road, was a multiple Group 1-winner.

“Takeover Target will be a good 600 metre dog. His uncle Stanley Road was a champion and from an exceptionally good litter,” Hickmott said.

“The father, Moving Target, was a champion. I’ve had some bloody good dogs and I rated him better.

“But, unfortunately, he had an injury. He won the Easter Sprint and in his second start he equalled the track record. He was a very quick dog.

“I never saw the best of him, unfortunately.”

When Takeover Target won the Robert Olsen Maiden Final in his sixth start at Townsville on February 3, Hickmott knew he had a dog who could progress through the grades.

“He always showed something. He just didn’t put it together in the field straight away,” he said.

“He probably didn’t run quick times earlier, but I find with strong dogs you’ve got to be very careful when you’re breaking them in.

“They just don’t show you they can sprint early.”

Hickmott added he was delighted with Takeover Target’s eight-and-a-quarter length victory over 380 metres two starts back on July 21, crossing the line in 21.61 seconds.

“His run on a heavy track over 380 metres two weeks ago, that was massive,” he said.

“He was race 14 and the track was slow by then. You saw him on his own – he came out last and won. 

“When he gets going, he can motor.

“He’s only 33kg, but when people look at him, they think he’s got a really nice physique.”

Hickmott is also pleased with the progress of Takeover Target’s younger half-brother, On Target.

The Moving Target and Gunnadoo Avenue black dog has two wins from four career starts, including a victory over 380 metres last start at Townsville on July 31.

“And, I raced the dam, so Moving Target looks like he’s going to be a good sire for me,” Hickmott said.

“That next litter looks like it’s pretty fair, too. Only two of them have started and they’ve both won. I don’t think they’re city-class, but I’ll have a lot of fun with them.”

On Target’s litter sister, Teleporter, will start from box five over 380 metres, which is race two on the program at Townsville on Tuesday night.

She has one win from three starts.

“She’s actually faster than On Target, but she’s another one who’s a bit tardy out of the boxes too,” Hickmott said.

“She’s got a lot of ability and when she hits 500 metres, she’ll be a different dog.”