3 minute read

Up-and-coming Canberra trainer Luke Pepper has several nice chances on Friday’s Canberra program, including debutant Iltextya in the first.

The 2yo Snippetson filly comes off a nice Goulburn trial win and Pepper has a very good opinion of her.

“Iltextya is a nice professional filly and we are looking forward to her going around on Friday,” Pepper says.

“I trained her mother Ilringya who won a few Cups for me down the Coast — and really put me on the map down there — so it means a lot to be training her first foal.”

Pepper says a Black Opal start has been his aim all along for the filly.

“She’s my only chance and she has really good ability.

“Anything can happen with 2yo’s, but her whole program has been aimed at that race and we hope tomorrow that she shows us she is good enough to qualify and compete in it.”

Pepper is hoping for a better run from Redominanced who lines up in Race 3. The mare was heavily backed at Moruya on debut and folded-up after leading.

“She was very quiet on the day and I am not sure she handled the whole trip to Moruya. And we are also pretty sure she got her tongue over the bit and chocked down.

“So she has got a tongue-tie on tomorrow, but it is still a toss up if she runs here or at Bega on Saturday.

“But she is a good horse … very fast, and we will find out this weekend where she is at and whether we will push on with her.”

Pepper looks to have a strong hope in the final event in the shape of Polyphemus who was an unlucky second on a heavy track at Canberra two weeks ago.

“He’s going super and every run he has had for me has been good. He was a victim of circumstance the other day. He got back and they really slackened off. He did everything but win the race.

“He should get a soft run and loves the sting out of the track and he just needs some speed in the race so he can finish over the top of them.”

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