Racegoers well remember the acrobatic feats of Aaron
Spiteri when he dismounted from Marstic after the pair combined to win the SAJC Goodwood
Handicap two years ago.
Yesterday afternoon as the rain teemed down in Adelaide
travelling foreman for the Tony Vasil stable, Timmy Sheehan, was performing similar
stunts.
Whether or not Sheehan brought the rain with him as he
joked, it arrived right on cue for Marstic who is a noted wet-tracker.
Similarly Sheehan had no qualms with drawing barrier
thirteen (13) in the Goodwood, in fact just the opposite, stating that Marstic preferred a
wide draw and plenty of room.
He said the horse did not like to be cluttered amongst
other runners, as was the case at his latest outing, the Wangoom Handicap at Warrnambool
when ridden by Damien Oliver.
Beaten just over six lengths by fellow Goodwood acceptor
Point Danger, Marstic endured a frustrating run from barrier three (3) never getting the
proverbial ‘crack at them’.
According to Sheehan Marstic has done extremely well since
that run and also considers the gelding has been treated very kindly at the weights,
allotted 53 kilograms, a kilo less than that carried to victory in 2000.
With Oliver committed to the ride on Falvelon in Brisbane,
Aaron Spiteri once again takes up the reins. It all sounds startlingly familiar.
The stable has Zamarin engaged in the Adelaide Cup and
Sheehan is confident the horse will acquit himself well.
Another horse adept in wet conditions, Zamarin is an
ultra-consistent performer finishing no worse than fourth in his past seven starts
including a win over 3000 metres at Moonee Valley.
Zamarin will carry 50 kilograms and jump from three,
circumstances which Sheehan again says will suit.
He was not, however, confident about the chances of
stable-mate Zazzman entered on Saturday saying he cannot handle even a dead track but
noted that the horse was being aimed at the St. Leger.
PIC courtesy of Atkins Photography. |
