TRAINER Paul Niceforo says Provincial-Midway Championships winner Territory Express’ Queensland debut will be a good test for a Group 1 assignment a week later.
And he is confident his talented four-year-old is up to the task in the Listed Members’ Handicap (1600m) at Doomben on Saturday.
Provided Territory Express races well, he will back up on Saturday week under weight-for-age conditions in the $1m Doomben Cup (2000m).
Niceforo’s gelding on Thursday morning was a $3 second favorite with TAB.com.au for the Members’ Handicap behind Tamworth Cup winner Gringotts ($2.30), who was prepared for that Big Dance eligible race at trainer Ciaron Maher’s Newcastle base.
The pair dominate betting on the Members to such an extent that they are the only horses under double figures.
Territory Express was a $15 chance for the Doomben Cup.
Whilst he hasn’t raced since brilliantly taking the $1m PMC Final (1400m) at Royal Randwick on April 13, Niceforo has co concern at all with his gelding’s condition.
“We broke the trip up by staying overnight in Coffs Harbour last Monday week, and then came on to Brisbane next day,” he said on Thursday morning.
“Territory Express is in great order. Both horse and trainer have settled in well in Brisbane.
“Saturday’s race will give us a better idea as to his Doomben Cup chances as it is a good field, but I feel he is up to it.”
With Sydney’s champion apprentice Zac Lloyd, who has partnered Territory Express in all three runs this campaign, unavailable for Saturday as he is required for Godolphin commitments at the Scone carnival, former Sydney jockey Robbie Dolan takes the mount.
He expects Lloyd will be back in the saddle for the Cup next week.
“Whilst we’re stabled at Eagle Farm, I have been taking Territory Express across the road to Doomben for his work to get him used to the tighter track,” Niceforo said.
“Robbie rode him on the outside of the course proper on Tuesday morning, and was very happy with him.
Dolan has ridden Territory Express once previously 12 months ago at Rosehill Gardens when, at only his fourth career start and first attempt at 2000m, he drew awkwardly and bolted out with a big lead before tiring to finish eighth in a 3YO Benchmark 72 Handicap.
“It wasn’t Robbie’s fault that day,” Niceforo said. “Territory Express has a few bad habits, and we’ve managed to get rid of some.
“Being slow to begin has become a trait. Even though he has drawn an inside gate on Saturday, Robbie knows not to bustle him.
“Territory Express has to find his legs and be comfortable, and that’s when he can produce that brilliant turn of foot at the end as he did when he won the Provincial-Midway Final.”
Story John Curtis, May 16, 2024 - Pics Bradley Photos
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