Patience and Passivity May Just Pay Off For Wakefield

Chris Munce

Jockey Chris Munce will ride Passivity at Rockhampton today

Doomben trainer Brian Wakefield has travelled his three-year-old gelding Passivity to Rockhampton for the Judy Doyle Memorial Plate at Callaghan Park Racecourse today.

Passivity placed second in his only previous start, finishing just half a length behind the leader after a tough run.

Wakefield is confident that Passivity has what it takes to win today’s race.

“He does look a nice chance in the race,” Wakefield said.

“He ran second (on debut) to a horse called Talleyho who’s since gone on to win a class one.

“All’s good with him.”

Wakefield enjoys travelling his horses away from their own stables, believing the change in routine is good for them.

“They leave at early hours of the morning and they’re (in Rockhampton) by lunchtime,” Wakefield said.

“It’s really not a bad run up here.

“I do like to travel the youngsters.

“You learn a lot more about your horses when you travel away with them.

“A little bit of change can stimulate them a little bit.”

The trainer says that Passivity is no exception, with the gelding showing signs of contentment in his temporary home at Rockhampton.

“He’s done very well since he’s been here,” Wakefield said.

“He seems to be enjoying himself so hopefully we can have a bit of luck with him today.”

Passivity has been so lightly raced due to two falls at his Brisbane stable, the second of which almost claimed his life.

“He had a couple of little accidents,” Wakefield said.

“He put a nasty hole in his knee (the first time).

“We gave him a break and then he took fright one day and did virtually the same thing to the other knee this time.

“Eagle Farm vet hospital didn’t paint a good picture.”

Passivity is now back to his best and ready to begin his racing career.

“To his credit the horse he’s a tough little customer,” Wakefield said.

“We haven’t had a problem since.

“The horse just never looked back and he came through it.

“(But) it does test your patience and the bank dollars.”

Wakefield is hoping that today will be the day that all his patience will pay off.

“It would be lovely to win a race with him,” he said.

The trainer has learnt a great deal from Passivity’s last run.

“He did do a few things wrong there that day,” he said.

“He really wasn’t balanced for the majority of the race.

“He did have a bit of a look around when he did get to the front.

“Blinkers will go on him today.”

Jockey Chris Munce will again partner Passivity in today’s run.

“Chris will have the option to go forward or just sit off the speed,” Wakefield said.

The trainer will most likely reward the horse with a short freshen up after his race today.

“We’ll just play it by ear and see how he goes,” Wakefield said.

“I’d say we’d give him a couple of weeks break.”

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