3 minute read
The trainer of a horse not even quoted in TAB’s market for the $2m The Kosciuszko believes his galloper will give a slot holder the ride of their life if chosen.
A $5 sweepstakes was drawn on Friday with 14 winning ticket holders gaining a 'slot' in The Kosciuszko run at Royal Randwick on October 14, the world's richest race for country-trained horses.
Those winners then select a NSW country or ACT-trained horse to race in their slot after negotiating what share of the prizemoney each party will acquire.
Part-time Murwillumbah trainer Neville Boyle prepares Group 3 winner Greyworm whom he claims is a serious contender for The Kosciuszko.
"Being a hobby trainer, it is hard for me to get Greyworm noticed for The Kosciuszko and be selected for a slot," Boyle explained.
"I feel that he has strong prospects and deserves to be acknowledged as a serious contender.
"After a challenging preparation battling several setbacks, he's now struck top form at the right time."
Greyworm ran his rivals ragged last start claiming the Murwillumbah Newmarket on Cup Day by nearly four lengths humping 62.5 kilos and setting a new course record.
"It's taken a while to work him out but he's now flying," Boyle said. "I'm like his personal assistant; I listen to him, and we negotiate.
"He's been a real project and hates being locked up but is responding well to his different environment after previously being in Sydney.
"When the sun cracks the horizon, he starts getting cranky and kicks the walls, wanting to get out into the paddock."
Should Greyworm gain a start in The Kosciuszko he will be familiar with the Royal Randwick surroundings.
He has started at the course eight times for three wins and two placings including a victory in the Group 3-Hall Mark Stakes where he defeated the top-class Godolphin pair of Trekking and Kementari.
A few starts later he finished fifth in the Group 3-Liverpool City Cup when beaten less than a length behind eight-time Stakes winner Think It Over.
Boyle said he had previously owned a few businesses including a bakery, a Mexican restaurant and a motel in Murwillumbah which he then sold and now just "potters around with a few horses."
