3 minute read
Emma Longmire, Tash Burleigh and Danielle Seib send seven horses to the races between them on Sunday with the Graeme Spackman Country Magic B66 Handicap (1600m) attracting interest from all three for different reasons.
Emma Longmire says its special for her to be in a race (Outahand) named in 'Spacky's' honour.
"I first started riding trackwork at Goulburn for Spacky in early 2009. I have so many wonderful memories of him, there was always lots of laughter, he taught me so much about racing and I considered him a dear friend," Longmire said.
Longmire says Outahand ($12 on TAB) should give plenty of cheek in the race.
"He's deep into a prep where he has been very competitive and has had a freshen after running in a staying race last start.
"He goes well over the mile and has fitness on his side.
"Will be close in the run and is a seasoned galloper who loves his racing. Shaun Guymer has a great association with him!"
Longmire also saddles up Mittata ($3.90) in Race 5, the Complete Plumbing Solutions B66 Hcp over 1200m, the trainer a fan of the galloper's recent form and consistency.
"He won convincingly with Holly (Durnan) on board over the 1000m here last meeting, has an ideal draw and Holly gets along well with him.
"He has an excellent record on his home track (3 starts for 1 win & 2 seconds), is in career best form and all indications at home are he will be right in this!"
Tash Burleigh has three runners on Cup Day and a successful training venture from seven years of hard work, much of it underpinned by Graeme Spackman's influence.
"He was an excellent mentor, not just as a boss but as a person going about day to day business.
"Not a day goes by I don't think of him, he was probably more like a grandfather. He made an impression on everyone that crossed his path.
"Wish I had a runner this year but I won the inaugural 'Spacky' race with Territorial."
Burleigh's genuine little mare Mosgold ($3.30 favourite) gets a look at something stronger in the Newgate Farm Guy Walter Fillies and Mares Class 3, her trainer says she deserves the chance.
"Mosgold is having a go at a step up in grade on Sunday, she has been so ever consistent through her short career thus far," Burleigh enthused.
The horse has only missed a top three cheque once in nine starts and handles all conditions, her trainer putting plenty on the positive list for Sunday's assignment.
"She will appreciate the 1300m and racing on her home track. It's a small field, she's drawn nice enough, if she can get some luck she should give us a cheer."
Burleigh also has veteran warhorse and previous dual Goulburn Cup winner Al Mah Haha ($71 into $61) engaged in the day's feature but also a 'Plan B' up her sleeve.
"The old boy is a true marvel and feels as well as he ever has. It is a tough field this year with the eligibility of the Big Dance waving about like a carrot in front of contenders.
"We are also considering the Barn Dance for 'Al' on Tuesday at Randwick. It's a country horses only race."
Juke Box Jimmy ($31) rounds out 'Tash' trio' with Burleigh measuring him up at a slow burn for now.
"This is his second career start, he's had a lengthy spell to mature some. I think we will see his potential shine when he steps out to a mile or further."
Danielle Seib wasn't at Goulburn when Spackman was but likes the named race for improving horse Lawyers Delight ($4.20). Seib happy with what he's shown since moving house.
"A relatively new edition to the stable who has impressed in all three runs to date," Seib said.
She like's where he's at for Sunday.
"He has been freshened for this assignment off the back of a very solid 4th placing in an 1800m Highway a fortnight ago. Should be very hard to beat."
The stable also presents Denarau (dual acceptor $18 & $26) on Sunday with the stable keen to get her back on the progressive path that she's capable of.
"She's a mare with plenty of talent on her day that has had a few setbacks in her short career to date. She is first up for the stable and has been working well at home."
Early markets and the form guide have enough in them to suggest some earnest hustle in all three trainers' quest for 'country magic' Cup day rewards.
The Graeme Spackman Country Magic B66 Showcase Hcp (1600m) is Race 3 on Sunday's Goulburn Cup card.
