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All systems go for Simon in Golden Mile

3 minute read

Premier trainer Scott Brunton says his stalwart middle distance galloper Sir Simon has been aimed at the Ladbrokes Golden Mile over 1650m in Devonport on Friday as part of his campaign towards next year's Devonport Cup.

Sir Simon.
Sir Simon. Picture: Tasracing

The grey gelding is a 1600-metre specialist and given the ease with which he won an open handicap over that trip in Launceston last start he would only have to replicate that form to achieve his first main goal this preparation.

Prior to his last start win, Scott Brunton slipped him across to Victoria to tackle the Coleraine Cup (1800m) and while he had to settle for second, beaten a long neck by Sign Of Ussuri, the trip was worthwhile because horses invariably do better after they have travelled across the water.

Brunton thought enough if the horse to warrant a trip to Melbourne to tackle the greys' race at Flemington during the Melbourne Cup carnival only to have the TT line stop carting livestock the day he was to be transported to Victoria.

The service was restored a few days later but too late for his Flemington assignment.

But the trainer remains upbeat about the nine-year-old's chances of taking out the first main lead-up race to the $125,000 Devonport Cup to be run on 11 January.

"I've had the Golden Mile in mind for this horse for a while and I couldn't be happier with his form going into the race," Brunton said.

Sir Simon strikes one of the toughest Golden Miles in years with some of the most experienced and promising middle distance horses in the state engaged.

Dramazing from the Barry Campbell stable has been progressing through the grades at a rate of knots winning five of her past six starts, with her first-up win last start in Launceston defeating Willby Rules in a benchmark 68 handicap one of her most impressive.

Campbell says the Devonport Cup is the mare's main goal this preparation and jockey Anthony Darmanin also is upbeat about her chances of going to a Devonport Cup undefeated this time in.

The speed is sure to be on with Sir Simon and The Risk Factor engaged in the race, but they have drawn the outside gates in barriers 13 and 14 respectively, so if either is to win it will be by having to do the hard work at both ends of the race.

Glenn Stevenson's mare Reward Achiever is being aimed at the Group 3 Bow Mistress over 1400m for fillies and mares in February but on her home track, this looms as a winnable assignment for the daughter of Anacheeva.

The winner of the Golden Mile receives ballot free entry into the Ladbrokes Devonport Cup.


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