Despite the fact his luggage is missing, leading Victorian harness racing trainer Andy Gath is a happy man.
Gath arrived in Brisbane yesterday (Wednesday) to oversee the preparation of his talented three-year-old pacer Burnaholeinmypocket who lines up in the Gr.1 $100,000 Nursery Flying Stakes at Albion Park on Saturday night.
And he looms as serious threat after landing a favourable draw in the 1660m sprint feature.
The Bettors Delight gelding will start from gate three while many of his rivals have drawn awkwardly including New Zealand raider Hug The Wind who was slammed with gate seven, the outside of the front-line.
“I’m thrilled with the draw and the way he’s handled the trip north, I’m not so thrilled with my luggage being missing."
"I’ve already been to the shops to buy some new clothes.” Gath said.
Burnaholeinmypocket earned his Queensland trip following his outstanding effort in the Gr.1 Emerald on Jewels day at Ashburton on May 30.
He was one of very few horses that made ground against the likes of Have Faith In Me, Hug The Wind and Follow The Stars in a mile rate of 1;52.5.
An easy romp at Shepparton on June 17 confirmed to Gath that his rising star was thriving.
“The trip to New Zealand has proven to be very beneficial; I’m not surprised by that as I’ve seen plenty improve with the experience."
"He continues to get stronger and his last start victory was very good and his sectionals were very impressive."
“Queensland was always in the back of my mind because of the options and the great prizemoney attached to it so I’m glad we’ve made the trip with him."
"It’s a high quality field but you expect that with this sort of prizemoney up for grabs but he’s in top order and feeling very strong so I can’t fault him ahead of the weekend."
“Hopefully we can make full use of his good draw; he’s been a good improver this season with his gate speed."
He’s not in the same category as horses like Maximan or Mister Mundaka but not many are when it comes to gate speed but he’s getting better.”
Gath confirmed he will back-up in both the Gr.3 $40,000 Mr Feelgood Gold Coast Derby and the Gr.1 $150,000 Queensland Derby in the coming weeks.
“Win, lose or draw he’ll be starting in both Derby events in the next two weeks before returning back to Melbourne for the Breeders Crown next month."
“We’re not here for a holiday, he’s there to earn.”
Chris Barsby