Rockhampton trainer Green hoping his Breeders Plate love affair continues

By Glenn Davis

Rockhampton trainer Graeme Green is hopeful his family’s love affair with the Breeders Plate will continue at Callaghan Park on Friday.

The Greens will be chasing their fourth win in the Breeders Plate over 1000 metres with Better Than Ready youngster Shamedy.

Graeme Green won the 2008 edition of the Breeders Plate with star sprinter Master Jamie, who could make his race track return in the Swiss Ace Plate over 1000 metres at the Sunshine Coast on November 19.

Shamedy could be in line to race on the same day at Caloundra depending on his performance in the Breeders Plate.

As well as Master Jamie, Green’s wife Julie trained 2012 winner Flying Riddle and Mundi Gully, who was successful in 2009.

“I won the Breeders Plate with Master Jamie a few years ago and I was the course manager at Callaghan Park when Julie won it with Flying Riddle and Mundi Gully,” Green said.

“All our wins were with geldings and I’ve never had a starter in the filly’s race.”

Shamedy showed his ability winning a 900 metre barrier trial at Rockhampton last month, following an earlier hit out at Yeppoon when the gelding finished second.

“His trial win was good but he’ll be a better horse next campaign,” Green said.

“He jumped and led a small field by four lengths before he was eased down on the line.”

Green paid $92,000 for Shamedy at the Magic Millions sales on the Gold Coast and hopes the youngster makes it to the big dance next year.

“If he goes good enough, he’ll be aimed for the Magic Millions Classic,” Green said.

“He’s already had a long campaign ahead of his first start and he might go for a spell after this, if not, there’s a two-year-old race on the same day Master Jamie is due to run at Caloundra.”

While Green expects a strong showing from Shamedy, he can’t compare him to stable star Master Jamie.

“They’re nothing alike. Master Jamie was a lazy track worker early on whereas this bloke is more genuine as a two-year-old,” he said.

Although only five nominations were received for the male’s division of the Breeders Plate, Green believes it will be highly competitive.

In the fillies’ division, trainer Clint Taylor will be hoping his stable’s good fortune continues with I’m Pinker.

The daughter of Dracary’s produced a nice trial when second to Sheza Ready over 900 metres at Callaghan Park last month.

The rising Taylor claimed his first metropolitan win when boom filly Chinny Boom maintained her unbeaten record from five starts at Eagle Farm last Saturday.