news room
Caribbean ready to Blast rivals in Italian Cup
06 June 2012
by Cody Winnell
Kate Gath will be looking for a hat-trick on Caribbean Blaster Friday night.
Since winning the Group 1 Chariots Of Fire at Menangle in April, four-year-old pacer Caribbean Blaster has been “in the zone”, according to trainer Andy Gath.
The son of Bettors Delight scored a 3.2m triumph over Excel Stride in the Chariots, stopping the clock at 1:52.6 as he powered to the line.
He returned to racing at Melton last Friday night and made a crack field look second-rate in the 4&5YO Championship, beating in-form guns Abettorpunt and Jadahson fair and square as he romped to a 7.2m victory.
On Friday night he’ll step out against open company in the $20,000 Italian Cup against superstar mare Make Mine Cullen, the talented Jaccka Clive and a host of other top-liners over 2240m.
Gath admits it will be another step up for his charge, but he can’t help but feel confident.
“If he had one downfall as a racehorse in the past it was that he wouldn’t find the line, he’d switch off, but since the Chariots he’s been a different horse. He’s in the zone. His work’s been a lot stronger at home, too,” Gath said.
“We’ve always known he’s above average, but Make Mine Cullen wins so many at Tabcorp Park and Jaccka Clive as well, they’re both very seasoned campaigners whereas ours, we’re kind of the new kid on the block. We’ll have our work cut out.
“But it wouldn’t surprise me if we did win. They’re quality horses but ours is going really well.”
The plan for Caribbean Blaster after Friday is to head north again, to the scene of the Chariots success, for a stand-start mile race at Menangle on Breeders Challenge Day which is June 24.
The Breeders Crown series will follow before a likely spell and then a possible crack at the Victoria Cup. He also looks a future Miracle Mile type of horse, but first things first.
“He hasn’t stopped improving yet so let’s hope he just keeps on improving,” Gath said.
Driver Kate Gath will have to overcome a back-row draw on Friday night, Caribbean Blaster drawn barrier nine.
