3 minute read

Trojan Storm has been promising to win a race this preparation and on Sunday he has the chance to finally deliver the goods in a 0-60 handicap over 1150 metres in Devonport.

The Cameron Thompson-trained gelding has been placed at his past two starts, the latest a second in a 0-60 handicap over the same trip on 27 June.

His placings have eventuated from good barrier draws at his last two, so maybe a horror draw will turn the tide.

The seven-year-old has drawn gate 13 of 14, so rider Bulent Muhcu will have to weave some magic to find a cosy spot in running.

"Would have liked him to have drawn a better barrier but he drew wide three starts back and was ridden quietly and went well, so we'll be trying to do the same on Sunday," Thompson said.

"The horse is fit and well and he worked super through the week."

Thompson also will saddle up Sweetsop in the Goodstone Group Maiden (1009m) and from gate one with Anthony Darmanin aboard the lightly raced three-year-old filly gets her chance to break through.

Sweetsop had good form last preparation with a second to stablemate Pompeia in Devonport in late December and she followed up with a second to Gee Gee Rhythm in a maiden in Launceston three weeks later.

She had only one more start for a midfield finish in Launceston before heading for a spell.

Her trial in Devonport three weeks ago was far from impressive but Thompson expects a forward showing on Sunday.

"Sweetsop is not a horse that trials all that flash, but she saves it all for race days.

"She hits the line really hard and that's what I'm expecting on Sunday."

He saddles up Needarein in the following race (3), a maiden over 1350m, and while the gelding has been placed in all three runs this time in, the jury is still out on whether the gelded son of Needs Further is genuine.

Needarein (Needs Further-Abadeena) is bred in the purple but so far, he has yet to show a great desire the find the line, but he gets a more suitable distance and with Bulent Muhcu aboard he has the chance to finally shrug off his maiden status.

"I've added bubble cheeker to his gear that will hopefully stop him from laying in, which is what he's done at his past two starts.

"He'll probably settle near the lead and be outside of something up front and if he can be saved for one sharp sprint, there is a big chance he won't go home still a maiden."