Tuesday, 31 July 2012: Premier NSW country trainer Brett Bellamy admits to changing his mind about starting Chief Kicking Bear in the Cabcharge Ken Howard Cup at Coffs Harbour on Wednesday.
The seven-year-old is backing up quickly after winning impressively over 1400m at Lismore last Saturday.
Bellamy said the spelling paddock awaits Chief Kicking Bear but the son of American stallion Golden Snake will first have a crack at winning a feature race on his home track before a well earned rest.
“Nothing ventured, nothing gained,” the leading local trainer said philosophically.
“He's pulled up real good. He's a tough gelding.
“Initially he was heading for a spell but we thought we'd give him one more whirl. He only has to walk across
the road to compete.
“We'll roll along with him and see what happens.”
A heavy track nor backing up doesn't faze Bellamy but he admits the distance remains unchartered waters as Chief Kicking Bear hasn't raced beyond 1600m.
“The 2100 metres might be an issue but looking through his family he should get it,” Bellamy said.
“He's back on his home track, backing up won't worry him and their going to have to run him down.”
Bellamy described the gelding's Lismore win as “a good strong run”.
“He led and kicked away at the end. It was a solid win” he said.
Chief Kicking Bear has eight wins and eight placings from 40 starts and a heavy track will be in his favour.
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