We won’t divulge ages but it’s fair to say the oldest combination of horse, trainer and jockey could provide the best bet of the day at the midweek program in Devonport on Wednesday.
Liffeybeau resumes in the Open Hcp (1009m) and comes off a couple of very impressive trial runs. The rising 10yo broke the track record for 800m at his most recent trial on 6 June.
Liffeybeau hasn't started since he gave some smart gallopers a touch up at Launceston in February when he came from the outside barrier (13) to lead all the way.
That was the latest of his 14 career wins that have netted his owners close to $300,000 in prize money.
"His longevity has been exceptional but he's a very sound horse and he hasn't been overly raced considering his age.
"He's a very energetic horse and he's full of himself, if you didn't know his age by looking at the number on his shoulder you would think he's a four or five-year-old," trainer Michael Trinder said.
While Liffeybeau likes to lead, Trinder says from the draw he may have to sit on the pace this time.
"It's a reasonable run to the first turn so I think he would get across and lead but if Julius goes forward, he will sit outside him and just relax and hopefully maintain a better gallop in the straight."
Since her comeback to riding in 2020, jockey Dianne Parish has formed a successful combination with Trinder and has ridden Liffeybeau at his past six starts and will again have the ride on Wednesday.
"He is such a good little horse, he always tries so hard and at nine still loves his racing.
"He is just so nice to ride and as the saying goes, let fast horses be fast," Parish said.
The winner of Wednesday's open handicap will receive ballot-free entry into the $109,000 Ladbrokes Carpet Charge to be run on Devonport Cup Day in January 2024.
While Liffeybeau appeals as one the best bets on the program so too does the locally trained Katzenjammer in the last of the day.
The 5YO was a little unlucky last run, he has a great record at the track and distance and from barrier four should get a perfect run.
Matt Reid will be live hosting coverage for TasracingTV. The first of the day has been moved forward a couple of minutes and will be run at 11.51.
