A mystified Peter Wiggins will be hoping for a bit more out of Turbo Hemi at Canberra today after the six-year-old finished a disappointing last on this track two weeks ago.
Photo by Racing and Sports
Lining up in the Peter Blackshaw Real Estate Benchmark 70 Handicap over 1000m, Wiggins is confident his charge can turn things around and be competitive in the now eight horse field.
“I think he choked down last start and couldn't breathe and also the track was a little bit greasy so we have put the tongue tie on and also taken the blinkers off and put the winkers on for the first time,” said Wiggins.
“He pulled up terrific after the race and nothing was wrong with him and he has been working well so I am expecting him to run very well.”
Getting almost the run of the race last start, Turbo Hemi was under pressure on the turn and weakened late to finish 9 lengths from eventual winner General Jay Dee.
The former Canberra horse of the year has a good record at the track and with a 3kg claim by apprentice jockey Kayla Nisbet looks well placed.
“I think Gorgeous Amelia will be hard to beat, but for us there are no excuses today as the track should be good and nothing is wrong with him.”
“He did pull a bit last start so we will probably let him slide along a bi today but if he fails again I will be gob-smacked.”
Turbo Hemi who is third-up here started his preparation with a good run at Canterbury when running seventh after being stuck wide for a majority of the race.
The son of Shinko Forrest has won six races from 22 starts, his last coming over a year ago.
Wiggins will also saddle up Grand Reception in the last on the programme who has been racing consistently of late running third at his most recent start.
