Transporter failed to fire in the Listed Mercedes Benz Centenary Mile (1600m) at Eagle Farm on June 21, but trainer John Thompson is hopeful that he can return to his best form in the Listed Tattersall’s Mile (1600m) at Doomben on Saturday.
Trainer John Thompson is hoping that Transporter can return to winning form in the Tattersalls Mile at Doomben on Saturday. Photo by: Daniel Costello
Transported returned to winning form for the first time in over a year when he scored an impressive victory over Choice Bro and Elmantosh in the Listed Strawberry Road Handicap (1600m) at Eagle Farm on June 7, but he was one of the first horses beaten when he took on a similar field a fortnight later.
Thompson told Racing Queensland that he is still struggling to find an explanation for the poor effort of Transporter in the Mercedes Benz Centenary Mile, but is happy with his condition heading into the Tattersall’s Mile – in what will be his last run before heading to the spelling paddock.
“It’s a bit of a mystery what happened with Transporter last start,” Thompson said.
“I’m still scratching my head what went wrong.
“He pulled up well and his work has been good since and he gives us every indication he’ll run well tomorrow.
“He had a wind operation before he came to me about three years ago and he’s got to be in his comfort zone with his breathing
“He’ll go for a spell after this race and will come back to prepare for the Summer Series in Brisbane.”
The 2014 Tattersall’s Mile has drawn a strong field of milers; with veteran gelding Belltone, last start winner Kingdoms, Rockhampton-based start Vandalised and Robert Heathcote-trained Bewhatyouwannabe also set to contest the Listed event.
Thompson admits that there are a number of winning chances in the Tattersall’s Mile and was impressed with Kingdoms’ performance in the Mercedes Benz Centenary Mile, but he is confident that Transporter is a genuine winning chance if he returns to his best form.
“Kingdoms is probably the best horse in the race but he’s more of a stayer and might be looking for longer ground now,” Thompson said.
“I’m hoping he may have sprinted too well fresh and he might be looking for further.”
Kingdoms ($2.60) is currently a clear favourite in the 2014 Tattersall’s Mile betting market at Ladbrokes Australia from Transporter ($4.60), Jetset Lad ($7.50), Vandalised ($8) and Black Cash ($10).
