Dreams Dashed; Maywyn Tonz and Jasper will both miss the up-coming Chariots Of Fire in Sydney
Queensland has a vice-like grip on the Gr.1 $200,000 Chariots Of Fire.
Names like For A Reason, Lanercost, Motu Crusader, Major Bronski, Torque In Motion among others quickly spring to mind and therefore it’s easy to assume the silverware will be heading north of the border this season.
But that grip has loosened ever so slightly with the news that emerging stars Maywyn Tonz and Maywyn Jasper will not be ready for the April 30 feature.
The Shane Sanderson trained 4yo’s have both battled major health issues in recent times and Maywyn Tonz is even lucky to be alive.
“After Tonz came back from his Sydney campaign he contracted pneumonia and it was touch and go there for awhile but luckily he’s made a turn for the better and he’s going to make a full recovery,” Sanderson explained.
“He’s still spelling with Rob (Essex – owner) and we’re hoping he will put on a fair bit of condition because he certainly lightened off when he was sick, he’s a lovely big horse and we’re hoping he will come back even bigger and stronger.”
Maywyn Tonz created a big impression during his New South Wales campaign late last year and scored decisive victories in the Sky Super Sprint Series Final at Newcastle in 1.55.0 before winning the Mount Eden 4yo Championship Final at TABCORP Park, Menangle in a time of 1.57.7 for 2300m.
The big raw-boned gelding has won 5 from 7 with earnings in excess of $45,000.
“He’s very talented and he exceeded my expectations to a degree with what he achieved in Sydney, he has the makings of a very good horse,”
“This setback has put us back roughly two months but we’re hopeful that he will be back in time for the Brisbane Winter Carnival.”
Sanderson outlined it has been a very frustrating period with Maywyn Jasper.
The Village Jasper gelding has been his own worst enemy who has battled with soundness issues ever since his last victory at AlbionPark on May 4 last year.
“It’s been testing times with Jasper, that’s for sure but we’re slowly getting there with him and he seems good right now,”
“He’s been back in work for some time now but actually started pacework today (Wednesday) and I was pleased with how he pulled up.”
Maywyn Jasper rose to stardom after scoring a brilliant victory in the 3yo Australian Pacing Gold Colts and Geldings Final at TABCORPPark, Menangle in a time of 1.52.7 for the mile defeating For A Reason, Its My Pleasure and Renaissance Man.
The ultra-fast pacer has won 7 from 15 with earnings in excess of $74,000.
“All going well, he will be aimed at the Brisbane Winter Carnival like Tonz whilst he is also paid up for the Australasian Breeders Crown series in Melbourne so that’s another option for him.”
Sanderson returned to Melbourne last weekend along with his principal owner Rob Essex and purchased more yearlings from the Australian Pacing Gold sale.
“We’ve had a fair bit of luck with our graduates from the Gold sale and it was good to pick up a few more, hopefully they will do the job like these two guys have done.”
A total of seven yearlings will return to Sanderson’s Gatton base in the coming days.
