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Weight won't stop the Barachiel train

20 October 2020

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Image credit: Caught In The Act Photography CQ

By Glenn Davis

The often-used phrase - weight can stop a train – will be put to the test in Thursday’s Coral Coast Shield qualifier at Rockhampton’s Callaghan Park.

Trainer Jim O’Shea will saddle up two runners in the 1300-metre feature with Barachiel allotted topweight with a massive 62.5kgs, while his other runner in Spring Creek will carry 56kgs.

Barachiel has been an ultra-consistent performer, with two wins and four placings from his past seven starts.

However, the seven-year-old blotted his copybook at his most recent appearance beating only one home behind the Tim Cook-trained I Can I Will I Am over 1400 metres at Yeppoon on October 1.

O’Shea has decided not to claim on the gelding, replacing apprentice Marnu Potgieter with Justin Stanley.

Spring Creek, who finished fourth behind I Can I Will I Am in the same Yeppoon race, will be ridden by Chris Whiteley.

O’Shea was reluctant to separate his pair, which are the only horses he has in training.

“There’s very little between them and it’ll get down to whoever has the best luck in running,” O’Shea said.

“Spring Creek hasn’t been quite right at her last couple of runs but she looks a lot better in the coat now.

“I don’t rate one better than the other.”

Barachiel
Spring Creek RETIRED 2024

The Coral Coast Shield will be conducted over 12 heats across Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns during October and November.

The final will be held in Townsville on Saturday, November 28 with each city accruing points across the series.

Double points will go on offer at the Final, with almost $500,000 in prize money up for grabs across the series.
 
After Thursday’s Rockhampton meeting, the Coral Coast Shield moves north to Cairns on November 1 for the Cape York Cup Open Handicap, before Mackay hosts the Cane Country Cup Open Handicap on November 14.

Townsville concludes the series with back-to-back meetings, kicking off with the Castle Hill Cup Open Handicap on November 20 ahead of the final which features the Coral Coast Cup, the Coral Coast Lightning and the Queen of the Coast.