By Glenn Davis
Trainer Steve Tregea is hopeful Ipswich Cup winner Bergerac or stablemate Prioritise can rectify an Eagle Farm anomaly on Saturday.
The Toowoomba pair are set to clash in the Listed Tattersall’s Mile (1600m) but neither are yet to win on the famous course.
Bergerac is a noted big track horse but is yet to win in five starts at Eagle Farm while Prioritise will be having his first start on the roomy track.
“Bergerac definitely likes bigger tracks and has won at Randwick,” Tregea said.
“He’s only had a handful of starts at Eagle Farm and was beaten narrowly on two occasions.
“Prioritise just hasn’t had the opportunity to race at Eagle Farm after being closed for several years.”
Bergerac and Prioritise have been campaigning on the central and northern winter carnival circuit along with stablemate Niccanova.
Bergerac won the Listed Ipswich Cup on June 15 before taking out the Mackay Cup (1600m) on July 13 at his latest appearance while Prioritise finished sixth in the Newmarket Handicap at Rockhampton before a fading eighth in the Mackay Cup.
Tregea was left with a dilemma after their Mackay starts whether to head further north for next week’s $150,000 Townsville Cup or return home for the Tattersall’s Mile.
“Townsville is still an option but I’ll see how they go on Saturday first and factor that in before making a final decision,” Tregea said.
“More than likely we’ll stay at home now and give them a short break to prepare for the summer.”
Tregea was reluctant to separate his pair in the Tattersall’s Mile and wasn’t concerned with his mixed luck in the barrier draw.
Bergerac will start from the near outside gate 12 while Prioritise has the rails.
“Bergerac is a tough horse and will go forward from the draw as he’s got the speed to do it,” Tregea said.
“It’s hard to know who has the better chance.
“Prioritise will be hard to beat if he settles up near the lead. He went too hard in front in the Mackay Cup.
“Bergerac followed him from the 600 metres in the Mackay Cup and got his measure.”
Tregea keeps a team of around 10 to 15 horses in work most times and is looking forward to the summer.
“We’ve had a good season after winning the Recognition with Niccanova and Bernborough Handicap and Ipswich Cup with Bergerac,” he said.
Racing Queensland webnews July 18