All Hands Off on target for Winged Runner Trophy

By Isaac Murphy

All Hands Off has been winning Best 8 races for fun the last couple of months, with Fred Swain’s chaser habitually putting up large margins and becoming the third quickest bitch in Albion Park history when clocking 29.49 seconds.

While the run was a nice way to bring her back to the track after injury, Swain always knew the challengers were coming and they’ve turned out thick and fast for what’s been called the strongest bitches only Winged Runner Trophy in recent memory.

“It’s one of the toughest races she’s ever contested, but these are the types of match ups we want to be involved in as we get closer to the carnival,” Swain said.

“She hasn’t drawn out wide so far this prep but has wins to her name from boxes six and seven at Albion Park and she likes to shift out a bit at the start, she should get a clean run to the turn from box eight.

“Kooringa Lucy in the seven and Sequana in six are both desperate for the fence where we don’t mind sitting one of two off - as long as we stay within range of Extra Malt, I like our chances.”

The depth of the field is that of a Group race, and Swain knows his bitch is going to have to be at her absolute best to take home the trophy.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for her competition, Sequana has shown what she can do over a long period of time, Kooringa Lucy has come back flying and Extra Malt has been winning everything - that’s not mentioning the other four who are all capable,” Swain said.

“Positioning on the first corner is going to be key, Extra Malt (1) probably has the speed to hold the rail, but I’m hoping Kooringa Lucy (7) gives us a nice cart across and we can be right there handy.

“If we can cut across Sequana (6) and turn it into a battle of the run homes despite the few weeks off I’d back her to hold off any challengers if she reaches the front at any point.”

All Hands Off struck a small road bump three weeks ago when she was injured, bravely running second to Sequana, and Swain confident it’s something she’s overcome and can use to her advantage.

“She’s been off the scene for three weeks after splitting her webbing the week she ran second to Sequana; it wasn’t a significant injury, but I thought we’d probably miss this race, but she’s healed up nicely and is ready to go,” he said.

“Fitness isn’t a huge worry, she’d built up a pretty good base over the last couple of months and I’ve been able to do some work with her up and back on our straight track - she’s done four lots 600 metres there.

“I’m hoping it could actually work in our favour, she always seems to go well nice and fresh and never has a problem running the trip.”

All Hands Off is likely to meet plenty of Thursday’s opposition down the track and Swain sees it as an important lead in for her grand final.

“This is a key race to see where we’re at going forward, she was airborne running 29.49 before the rain ruined our Easter Egg plans and tomorrow night will be a good gauge to see where she’s at,” Swain said.

“I’d love her to win the race and think she can but as long as she’s coming home strong and there’s nothing there injury-wise I’ll be happy.

“We’ve still got the best part of six weeks until her real grand final in the Group 1s which she is still right on track for.”

The Northern Rivers trainer produced All Hands Off himself and loves the fact she’s garnering the widespread attention she deserves on the eve of the Winter Carnival.

“I take a lot of pride in how she goes having bred her myself (Barcia Bale/Fay’s Magic) and there’s a lot of work that goes into training a good bitch as well, so to win a stacked Winged Runner would be a real thrill,” he said.

“As I’ve said her main target is the Brisbane Cup but looking at the calendar there’s plenty of races on the way that I’d like to have a crack with her.

“If she runs well the next couple of weeks, I might even think about the Listed Carnival Chase over the 600 in three weeks’ time - she gives you options.”