Chaffey pleasantly surprised at her winning ways

By Josh Spasaro

Bobbie-Jean Chaffey might have been a little taken aback to get five winners at Townsville last week, but she has confidence in her trouble-free training methods.

And, why wouldn’t she?

Once again, she will have multiple runners with winning prospects at the North Queensland venue on Tuesday night.

“It’s good when we have a good night. We were surprised that we got five,” the Stuart-based conditioner said.

“We’ve done it a few times. We do try and keep it simple and not complicate things. We really focus on their gut health and just making sure they’re happy.

“If they’re happy and healthy, then they’re going to run a lot better.”

Tex Gunn is among the top Townsville trainer’s best hopes in race eight over 380 metres.

He is looking for a hat-trick of victories and will jump from box one.

At 29 months, the Aussie Infrared and Glorious Gunn chaser has been a convincing winner in his past two starts from box two over the same distance.

“It’s good to see him come off with some wins and get some confidence,” Chaffey said.

“But, it’s a tough race and anything can happen in the top grades. As long as he jumps and gets a clear run. He’s been going good recently.”

Kramer and Ascend Kalmia will start in the same race and both are also running well, particularly Kramer.

The two-year-old dog by Shima Shine and out of Where’s The Lady has saluted in three of his past five starts.

“Kramer has got the eight box. As long as they stay out of trouble. He’s got the outside, so he can come in and hopefully miss any trouble on the corner,” Chaffey said.

“Ascend Kalmia has been pretty good. She’s a strong runner.”

Market Maverick is another last-start victor and he has also drawn the pink rug over 380 metres.

“He’s been going pretty good, as well, with strong runs home,” Chaffey said.

Oklahoma will start from box four in the same race and she has two wins from her past five starts.

Chaffey bred her Mr. America and Mary Doesn’t No litter, with six of the seven starters registering wins and showing potential after they all turned two on June 11.

Only Azusa is winless from 11 starts.

“We’re very happy with how Oklahoma has come about,” Chaffey said.

“She’s still a strong contender, strong runner and good starter. They’ve all surprised us. I think all of them bar one has won at least one race.

“They’ve been a very good litter. A very happy, friendly bunch. It’s good to see them grow, pick up their racing, get used to it all and come up with some wins.”

Smooth Blast also has two wins from his past five starts going into a race over 498 metres, which is race three on the card.

The Good News and Smooth Bourbski three-year-old dog, with 13 wins from 60 starts, has drawn box five.

“He does prefer the inside, but hopefully he’s thereabouts and comes home for the win,” Chaffey said.

Chaffey said she was looking forward to seeing four other runners at Townsville on Tuesday night.

“Copper Carnage and Iceberg Ahead are new ones for us, so we’re keen to see them race,” she said.

“They have trialled, so we’re keen to see them have their first runs in Townsville.

“Smoking Ace jumps really well, so we’re hoping he can take the lead and not fade off on the home straight. Hunter’s Boy had a good trial, so we’re hoping he’s a good one, too.”