Our Jimmy Johnstone’s fourth shot at the TABtouch-WA Pacing Cup (2936m) looms as his best chance to win the $450,000 race, following last night’s barrier draw.
The 11-year-old drew barrier one for the Group 1 feature and spearheads training partnership Greg and Skye Bond’s seven chances in the race.
The gelding finished fourth to My Hard Copy in 2015, before he was ninth behind Chicago Bull in 2017 and fifth to Rocknroll Lincoln last year.
He was an emergency for last week’s Retravision-Fremantle Cup, but gained a start when east coast runners Alta Orlando and My Field Marshal couldn’t get a flight to Perth.
The veteran ran a credible fifth place in the $300,000 event to book his place in the WA Pacing Cup.
Co-trainer Greg Bond said he was confident Our Jimmy Johnstone was capable of making the most of the inside barrier for young reinsman Bailey McDonough.
“He’ll obviously appreciate barrier one and with young Bailey on him it will be a thrill for him,” he said.
“The gate speed that he still possesses at his old age is still there.
“Obviously he will still be looking to take advantage of that.”
Bond said he was surprised to have Our Jimmy Johnstone in the race, given where he was at following last year’s WA Pacing Cup.
“12 months ago we thought he might have been at the end of the road,” he said.
“He had a few issues, but they’ve sorted out and he never ceases to amaze.”
Ana Malak, El Jacko, Galactic Star, Mighty Conqueror, Our Alfie Romeo and Vampiro are the other six runners in the race for the Bond team.
Mighty Conqueror is the $3.70 TABtouch favourite for the race, despite missing last week’s Fremantle Cup.
Bond said the five-year-old had overcome the setback that saw him miss last week’s race and would acquit himself well from barrier five.
“He had a bit of bruising to a hoof which looks like that’s all cleared up,” he said.
“We’re really happy with him.
“He didn’t miss any work so there’s no question mark fitness wise.”
The TABtouch-WA Pacing Cup gets underway at 7.58 on Friday night.
