Bogey Man puts recent setbacks behind him

By Glenn Davis

Co-trainer Christine Dore is hopeful Bogey Man can overcome a recent setback to claim back-to-back wins in the TAB Open Handicap at Callaghan Park in Rockhampton on Tuesday.

Bogey Man hasn’t started since scoring an impressive win over 1400 metres in Rockhampton on August 31.

Dore is confident Bogey Man has overcome a foot abscess which has disrupted his preparation.

“He had a bit of a setback with a foot abscess after he won last time but he’s over it now,” she said.

“He missed a bit of work but his work last week was very good and he likes racing fresh.

“Any rain we can get will be a big help.”

Bogey Man will be ridden by Brisbane-based jockey Sairyn Fawke, who did his apprenticeship in Brisbane under leading trainers Pat Duff and John Meagher.

Fawke then moved to Adelaide where he rode with good success for several years for top trainers Tony McEvoy and John Hickmott before returning home. 

Dore trains Bogey Man in partnership with her husband Mike and only has one other horse in work.

“Mike and I have been training together for about 10 years,” said 68-year-old Dore.

“I’ve been training since I was in my 20s and I’ve followed on from my father Norm McCarroll who used to train in Brisbane at Deagon.”

Dore is hoping for some speed in the race to boost Bogey Man’s chances.

“Velaro showed a lot of speed in the race when he won last start and hopefully he’ll do the same this time,” Dore said.

“Velaro will be a lot fitter this time as he’s had two runs since and won last start at Yeppoon but I think the main danger will come from Only Wanna Sing.”

The Jared Wehlow-trained Only Wanna Sing has won two of his past four starts including his latest appearance in a 1200-metre Open at Townsville on September 16.

The six-year-old carried 61kgs for Ryan Wiggins last start but has been penalised 1.5kgs and will be ridden by Ashley Butler.

Barachiel also looms a major threat after two recent placings at Rockhampton and Thangool.

Barachiel - a Chris Whiteley mount – will be striving for his first win since scoring at Yeppoon last September last year.