MASTHEAD
Chris Waller could add another feather to his cap at Ipswich on Saturday if his talented sprinter Masthead can win the Eye Liner Stakes.
The well-travelled gelding began his career with Lee Freedman, and his efforts in the Blue Diamond (third) and Golden Slipper (fourth) were examples of his class.
Following several stakes placings as a spring three-year-old, the horse was sent to Singapore to join Michael Freedman’s stables. He won three races but lost his way last spring and was sent back to Australia by his owners, several of which had enjoyed great success that spring with the Waller-trained Boban.
Masthead has run 12 seconds from 35 starts, and won just four times. That is the worry, but Waller seems to have him going very well, finishing in the frame at all three runs for him including the game last-start second to Sacred Star in the QTC Cup.
BLACK CASH
Last week’s Stradbroke Handicap winner, River Lad, was a great example of a horse that just continues to improve every preparation. Black Cash, while not quite at that galloper’s level yet, is on a similar upward spiral.
He improved last time in to notch his first black type placing and all indications are that he has gone to a new level again this preparation.
He has raced without cover at both of his runs this campaign, first-up in restricted grade and second-up in the Group 2 QTC Cup, when facing his biggest challenge yet.
Masthead beat him home, but Black Cash’s effort to finish a close up fourth after the tough run was very good.
Black Cash has drawn gate one on Saturday, while his main rival Masthead has drawn 12.
– Racing Network
