3 minute read
There will be some big local celebrations if Crystal Club can win Sunday's $15,000 Cootamundra Cup.
The David Heywood-trained five-year-old mare is owned by a large syndicate of drinking mates from Cootamundra's Central Hotel.
“Win lose or draw I'm sure there'll be a drink on with the boys at the hotel,” Wagga-based Heywood said.
“And if she can win, celebrations aplenty.
“Brad Shields heads the syndicate. I've met a few of the members but come Sunday I'll probably meet the rest of them. They're good lads.”
Heywood is chasing his second Cootamundra Cup.
“I won it way back in the 1970's with a horse called Local Bloke,” Heywood said.
Crystal Club linbes up after a slashing last start third to Mrs Menzies and Aunty Ned in a 1600m Class 2 event at Albury on September 27.
“She really hit the line hard, only really got warmed up over the last furlong (200m),” Heywood added.
“My only problem Sunday is I think she's probably looking for further than 1600 metres. I'm hoping to get her to a midweek staying race in Sydney.
“To counter that there should be speed on, Foragrand goes forward early and hopefully something else can ensure pace up front which will suit us.”
Crystal Club has pleased Heywood since her Albury run, her third since resuming.
“She's done perfect,” he said confidently.
“I haven't done a real lot with her since Albury but I think the quick back up will be good.
“There's still room for improvement in her, fitness wise she's pretty right but the improvement will come when she gets over ground.”
Heywood's major gripe however, surrounds the weights, Crystal Club allotted 57kg.
“The topweights all came out and they raised the weights three kilos, that's why I had to put Natasha Winton on. Her three kilo claim really helps".
Gundagai-trained Wyora, a Matthew Cahill mount, rates highly after a last start second to highly promising Izababe in the Dubbo Cup. Slick Sniper was third.