Gillespie confident of Marburg success

By Josh Spasaro

Trainer and driver Tim Gillespie believes Smokey Bear is on the verge of recording his first career victory at Marburg on Sunday.

That is when the gelding, who turns four on October 22, will line up in the maiden over 2200 metres, guided by Angus Garrard.

The Up And Quick and Justa Cold Trotter gelding is winless from 18 starts, but Gillespie was pleased with his last effort, when he finished fourth over 2138 metres at Albion Park on October 9.

“I think he can break his maiden status,” the Haigslea-based conditioner said.

“His run last start was pretty good. It was first-up from a good break and he ran fourth in pretty good company.

“Provided he handles the track at Marburg, which he is trained on, he should go pretty good.”

Gillespie is confident about a few other starters across the five-race card at Marburg on Sunday.

He likes Pozzi Tonozzi in the 2YO Trotters Handicap over 2200 metres.

The filly is by Classic Connection and out of Justa Cold Trotter. She too fought well to finish fourth over 2138 metres in her last start at Albion Park on September 1.

Pozzi Tonozzi has one win from six starts.

“Very strong chance. I do believe she’s got a future,” Gillespie said.

“She’s got good speed and is a good little racehorse.”

Buster Dan takes two wins from his past three starts into the QSTA Trotters Rating Handicap over 2200 metres.

“He’s in good form, but I think he’s in a very strong field. I don’t think he can win, to be honest,” Gillespie said.

“He’s up in grade now.”

Getoverrover has also been competitive recently, ahead of the Graham Harriott Memorial Trotters Handicap over 2550 metres.

The Gotta Go Cullect and French Theatre gelding dug deep to finish third in his last start over 2138 metres at Albion Park on October 6.

He begins from the two alley on Sunday.

“I think he’ll go pretty good. Fingers crossed, I’m hoping he can do the job,” Gillespie said.

“He won five starts back, as well. He was off 10 metres in the race last year and he ran second. He’s off the front now, so that gives him a bit of a chance.”

Gillespie conceded he was unsure how Lochinvar Son would go over 2200 metres in the fourth race on the card at Marburg on Sunday.

The Majestic Son and Princess Phoenix gelding recorded his maiden win at Maryborough in Victoria back on October 27, 2024.

Lochinvar Son has one win from 25 races, with just the one start at Marburg.

“He’s been a little bit of a project to get going. He’s racing well at Albion Park. Not too sure how he’ll handle the Marburg circuit,” Gillespie said.

“Just the tighter corners and the camber of the tracks are a little bit different. Sometimes trotters go better on the big open straights, but it’s horses for courses, I guess.

“Some are advantaged at Marburg and some are disadvantaged.

“Marburg is tighter.”

The five-year-old has placed in his past two starts at Albion Park.

“He’s gone pretty good. He’s starting to put it all together,” Gillespie said.

Now enjoying his new surroundings at Haigslea, near Ipswich, after a recent move from Minden, Gillespie has been happy with the overall performances from the starters across his stable.

“They’re around the money. They’re earning a few dollars and going all right,” he said.

“I’m at Haigslea now. I moved here about 18 months ago.

“It’s very good. It’s taken me a little while to adapt to the set-up, but I think we’re starting to get there now.

“It was an upgrade to a bigger and nicer property.”