Tuesday, 26 June 2012:
Ben Ahrens has started changing Spechenka's training in a bid to win back-to-back Caloundra Cups on Saturday.
Spechenka hasn't won since claiming the Listed 2400m feature 12 months ago but Ahrens is upbeat the gelding can turn his fortunes around at the Sunshine Coast.
"I think as he's getting a bit older and a bit more cunning, he just needs a bit of a change in his work," Ahrens said.
"I've just been trying a few things differently to switch him on a bit mentally."
The changes started ahead of last weekend's Group Three Tatt's Cup (2200m) where Spechenka finished midfield but showed positive signs of a turnaround in form.
The changes included Ahrens sending Spechenka over jumps to sharpen him up.
"We've just been mixing it up a little bit and hoping that switches him on a little," Ahrens said.
"He is working well and is very fit and healthy."
Spechenka came off some less than stellar lead-up form 12 months ago to win the Caloundra Cup and Ahrens said he wouldn't be surprised if there was a repeat.
The six-year-old's only placing in eight starts this campaign was a second to imported galloper Fruehling over 2400m at the Sunshine Coast on June 1.
He was beaten four lengths in Saturday's Tatt's Cup (2200m), won by Ginga Dude.
"Last week is when I started to mix things up with him and I spoke to (jockey) Ryan Wiggins on Sunday and he said he was very happy with the way he ran on Saturday," Ahrens said.
"He said he was happier with the way he travelled.
"He had put in a few runs where he just didn't get himself into the race, but on the weekend Ryan said he travelled well and the strongest part was at the end.
"It looks a good race for him on the weekend and he seems to appreciate Caloundra."
The Jeff Lynds-trained Booming heads weights for the Caloundra Cup with 59kg ahead of Ipswich Cup winner Shenzhou Steeds on 56.5kg.
Spechenka is on the limit of 54kg.
