By Ray Hickson
It seems that Cliff House does not mind, an additional day for his shot on the Substantial Dance authorization in the 100,000 dollar -Grand Hotel & Bottle Shop Wellington Cup (1700 m) worth waiting for 100,000 US dollars when he enjoyed some sun and a selection of grass to sell the time with the shift to Monday.
Coach Tim Donnelly gave the six -year -old straightforward work on the treadmill, which he says that Cliff House enjoys doing him, and says, even though he has first -class weight and the external barrier, he is very well placed.
Trainer Tim Donnelly (Image: Bradley Photos)
In fact, he said that the outdoor barrier would give Cliff House his best chance to book a place in the 3 -million dollar -Substantial dance later this year.
“It actually doesn't matter to cover the ground,” said Donnelly.
“If you look at some of his victories, the Gundagai Cup and his highway in Randwick, he is three or four deep into the whole way. He is a massive horse, so it doesn't really worry him.
“I definitely wanted to move out in Wellington, I didn't want him to get on the fence.
“He is a swing horse so that he can get out and get started if he wants.”
The Cliff House only had two runs last preparation, a slashing fourth in the Goulburn Cup before he bleed and had to be written in a race in Randwick in September.
It is clear that Donnelly is clear that he will come back into contact with a first second over 1200 m in Canberra before he goes under in the national sprint (1400 m) at the beginning of this month.
He will carry 61 kg in Wellington and give all of his rivals between 3.5 kg and 7 kg.
“He recently finished second in a listed race, so they have to pay for the punishment,” said Donnelly.
“He is a horse on the way with just two runs in this preparation, the other chances in the race are around for a while.”
It is no surprise that Donnelly wants to give Cliff House another chance in his hometown Wagga Cup after running sixth place behind the Fawkner Park last year.
This will be his fifth run for the preparation, since Donnelly wants to give him another to bridge the five weeks between Wellington and Wagga.
“I could possibly go so well as long as it is in shape,” he said.
“I think 1600 m is his perfect distance, he won at 1800 m and last year he only won in the Wagga Cup at 2000 m when the Fawkner Park overcovered her. But it actually went well.”
All fields, form and repetitions for the Wellington meeting on Monday
