Top country jockey Peter Graham will be hoping for better luck than last year when he jumps on board Jefferson Park in Sunday’s $80,000 Freight Specialists Tamworth Cup (1400m).
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Graham, who has won the Tamworth Cup twice, finished fifth on the Craig Martin-trained five-year-old in last year’s race after he was swamped on the line by Pitt Street.
Last year, Jefferson Park came from barrier 12 and was forced to use a bit of petrol in getting up into second in the run.
The effort told in the final stages as four went past him in the last few strides.
On Sunday, Graham will push Jefferson Park out of gate 13 but isn’t likely to change his tactics despite it being a tough draw from the 1400m at Tamworth.
“He’s got a lot of natural speed so we’ll push forward again and see if he can do it,” Graham said.
“I trialled him the other day and he went really well.
“My only query would be the 1400 metres first-up but he’s a pretty good horse so I’m confident.”
Tamworth Jockey Club has increased the race prizemoney from $65,000 in 2013 to today’s $80,000 prize, making it one of the best races in country racing on what is also a TAB Saddle Up Sunday meeting.
“My word, it’s a good race and I’d love to win it again,” Graham said.
All the fancied Cup runners drew badly to make the race an even bigger lottery given this week’s rain ensured the track will be a soft surface.
While topweight Kaypers didn’t draw too badly in 11, Scorpio Queen (17), Kurtley (18), Monashee Woods (15), Walcha-Quirindi Cups winner Latitat (14) and Jefferson Park (13) all drew wide.
They could come in closer if emergencies Tableaux (6), Solitaire Princess (12) Strictly Concert (9) and Reunite (8) don’t start.
Kaypers will definitely run from barrier 11 with Greg Ryan to ride, Scone trainer Greg Bennett confirmed this week.
He’s looking at a likely Scone Cup run with his gelding but Newcastle trainer Kris Lees might have second thoughts with Scorpio Queen after she drew 17.
Lees won the Tamworth Cup with Pitt Street last year and has booked Andrew Gibbons for his mare, who was second in the Newcastle Newmarket to Laser Hawk two starts back.
The six-year-old daughter of Choisir was beaten eight lengths last start when 10th of 10 to Catkins in the Group 2 Emancipation Stakes (1500m) at Randwick.
A variety of family-friendly entertainment will be available on the day, with Rodney the Clown on hand to entertain the kids and two giant jumping castles.
Gates open at 11am, with tickets costing $15 for adults while kids accompanied by an adult are admitted free.
