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Dubbo trainer Peter Nestor reckons Private Taber deserves to win a cup race.
On Sunday at Mudgee the consistent six-year-old lines up for yet another cup attempt in the $35,000 Gooree Park Gooree Cup (1600m).
Last preparation the Mark and Lyn Betar-owned Strategic gelding finished runner-up in the Dubbo Cup, Coonabarabran Cup, Coonamble Cup, Cotton Cup at Warren and third in the Black Nugget Cup at Mudgee.
And going back through his record he lists placing’s in the Parkes and Forbes cups.
“It’s cost him a lot in prizemoney,” Nestor suggested. “Probably to the tune of around $100,000. And he’s BOBS qualified too.
“He’s been such an honest and consistent horse. He was probably a touch unlucky not to win a cups race last preparation. He deserves to win a cup race.
“Let’s hope he can have a change of luck on Sunday.”
Private Taber has recorded 35 starts for five wins, 13 second’s and seven third’s earning $123,910 prizemoney.
Convert his second’s into wins and the gelding would have brought an even tidier sum for his trainer and owners.
Private Taber heads into the Gooree Mile third up this campaign. It is worth noting he finished runner-up in the Dubbo cup at the same time last campaign.
The gelding resumed with a fair effort in the Town Plate (1100m) at Wellington on March 29 then, following a 21-day break, finished 2.6 lengths sixth to Millenium Hawk in the Diggers Cup at Narromine on April 19.
“I didn’t trial him before Wellington and his run was okay,” Nestor said. “I thought he was a bit disappointing at Narromine. I just thought he was entitled to do a bit more. He loomed up to win but didn’t quiet go on with it.
“He pulled up a bit woopsy do for a few days after the race but he seems good now. His work’s been good.
“He’s an older horse now and might just be taking a bit longer to come to hand.
“Stepping up to the mile third up will suit him.
“The girl (Winona Costin) is riding well, he’s drawn good (barrier one) and the big drop in weight will help him.
“It looks a pretty even race. We’re in there with a chance. Fingers crossed.”
Private Taber drops from 59kg at Narromine to 54kg at Mudgee.
