Comeback; Star pacer Lanercost is on the way back for trainer/driver Darrel Graham. Photo by Corey Pearce
Queensland trainer Darrel Graham is searching for his suitcase again.
The astute mentor is preparing a strong team that will ultimately head south early in the new year chasing rich targets including the 2013 Inter Dominion series in Sydney at TABCORP Park, Menangle.
And he’s packing for power too.
Stable star Lanercost will head up the team while classy 4yo’s Emperor Montana and Montana Falcon are likely to join him while Graham is also high on the chances of 3yo fillies Montana Marie and Gem Of Montana.
“I’ve found my toiletry bag, so that’s a start. I’m looking forward to hitting the road again and this team is more than handy so I think its well worth a shot.” Graham said.
All focus is obviously centred around comeback pacer Lanercost, the multiple Group One winner is without doubt one of the most gifted pacers in the southern hemisphere at his prime and Graham is cautiously optimistic about his star pupil’s chances of returning to the elite level after a series of recent setbacks.
The Courage Under Fire stallion has not raced since January 6 at TABCORP Park, Melton when a career worst performance ended his campaign before being diagnosed with a severe throat infection while his hamstrings have also required attention from specialists.
“It’s been frustrating; having a Ferrari parked in your garage and not being able to drive it is not fun but, considering we’ve achieved so much and had a trouble free run to date equals everything out.
He’s too good to take any chances with and I’ve had no pressure from Dean (Shannon – owner) during his rehabilitation time and I’m going to start taking chances with him now, we all know how good he is so we’re doing the right thing by the horse.
The Inter Dominion is the long range focus and everything is being built around the series in Sydney next year, things are shaping well at this point.”
Nominations for the 2013 Inter Dominion close on December 10.
Graham was able to unveil his sleek machine on Monday afternoon at the Albion Park trial session and walked away a content man, but fully aware of the job at hand.
Lanercost won the 1660m trial defeating Davey J in a time of 1;58.9 while his final half was timed in 57.3 – 28.3 seconds.
“He resembled a big spacious family car rather than a powerful and elegant looking Ferrari but the most important thing is – he’s back on track.
He looked good at home and his work has been strong but there’s nothing like race fitness, he looked huge compared to normal but remember he is a 6yo stallion who’s been off the scene for 11 months.
His heart rate was very high after the trial and he blew up real big over the back so we’ve got a lot of work to do. He pulled up very well and I plan on giving him another trial in a fortnight, which will give me the opportunity to get some strong work into at home and build up his core fitness.”
Anyone prepared to knock the glamour pacer only needs to take a quick look at his ‘CV’ which features a scintillating victory in the 2011 Gr.1 Chariots Of Fire at TABCORP Park, Menangle where he thrashed a high quality field including emerging Victorian star Bitobliss.
Graham quickly realises the elite landscape is changing all the time following the recent retirements of champion pacers Blacks A Fake and Mr Feelgood while many others aren’t getting any younger.
And Graham has been closely watching the progress of Bitobliss and other emerging youngsters in recent times.
“The elite level is completely different to the rank and file but there is some great talent in this country; Im Themightyquinn is the benchmark pacer while horse like Bitobliss, Chancellor Cullen, Excel Stride and Terrorway among others is very exciting.
I call it as I see it and I know I wouldn’t swap my guy at his best with anything in the land, he’s the best I’ve trained and when he’s fit and well – he could match it with anyone.”
Graham will chase the NSW Oaks and the Raith Memorial with 3yo fillies Montana Marie and Gem Of Montana early in the New Year while Emperor Montana and Montana Falcon will be set for 4yo features this season with the obvious aim being the Gr.1 Chariots Of Fire next March and Graham is thrilled with the way they’ve returned.
“I’m very happy with all of them; I can’t wait to get the 3yo fillies down south on the big track at Menangle and the other two lads have spelled exceptionally well so they will provide great back-up for Lanercost.”
Sounds like Graham might need to find a bigger suitcase
