3 minute read

Townsville trainer Alby Molino is hopeful consistent sprinter Focus can take him on his first journey to Brisbane with a horse for the Country Stampede Final if the gelding is successful at Innisfail on Saturday.

Focus will line up in a field of six starters, including hat-trick chasing Fast Train from the Janel Ryan stable, in the Country Stampede qualifier over 1200 metres.

The five-year-old will meet the qualifying conditions of having started five times at non-TAB country meetings since last November when he runs in the Country Stampede qualifier.

"He's had four starts in the country so far and when he runs in this he'll meet the qualifying conditions and if he wins he'll definitely be going down for the race," Molino said.

Focus was originally trained at the Gold Coast by Scott Morrisey but since transferring to Molino a year ago he has missed a place cheque only twice in 15 starts.

In that time, Focus has won five times, with his latest victory in a Class 6 at Cairns on August 27.

The son of Smart Missile has been placed at his subsequent three starts at Townsville, Ewan and his latest third behind Raiden in a 1280 metre Open event at Bowen on October 8, when beaten just over two lengths.

"He had a bit of bad luck at Bowen last start but he's been racing very well," Molino said.

Molino, whose best win as a trainer was with Best Hoffa in the Mackay and Townsville Amateur Cups in 2020, has never had a starter in Brisbane.

"I've never had a runner in Brisbane so it'll be a thrill if we can get there," Molino said.

The Country Stampede Final will be run over 1110 metres at Doomben on December 3.

Molino was a former jockey and rode for 30 years around North Queensland's Burdekin region after starting off riding in Sydney for the late Ray Guy.

He worked for 18 years as an emergency response crew member for Ergon Energy before retiring in March.

He now concentrates on training and has 11 horses in work at Townsville.

Molino is confident of another strong showing from Focus and has named the Stephen Massingham-trained Silent Explorer as the main threat.

Silent Explorer has placed in two of his four starts this campaign including a last start second to Our Alicia's Lane over 1400 metres at Townsville last month.