Hoffman has high hopes for Townsville double

By Glenn Davis

Tolga trainer Sharlee Hoffman is hopeful Maquereau can snap a frustrating run of placings when the gelding starts at Townsville on Tuesday.

Maquereau, has finished second at his past four starts, all for jockey Lacey Morrison, who will again partner the seven-year-old in the Open Handicap over 1400 metres.

Hoffman has been mixing the distances with Maquereau who finished second over 2100 metres at Cairns in August and September before a similar result when dropping back in distance to 1300 metres at Townsville on October 1.

Maquereau returned to a middle distance for his last start when second to Best Hoffa over 2000 metres in the Innisfail Cup on October 16.

“He’s been very consistent and has proven he can run a strong race when he drops back in distance,” Hoffman said.

“He just got beaten two runs back by Dio D’oro and we’re running into him again but hopefully we can turn the tables this time.

“Dio D’oro was a bit fresher than my bloke at Townsville and I’ve kept Maquereau on the fresh side this time as well.”

Maquereau is likely to head to the Townsville Amateur Cup over 1609 metres on November 21 if he puts in another strong performance.

Hoffman is also hopeful Morrison can be successful on Starfilly in the Benchmark 55 Handicap over 1100 metres.

Starfilly was formerly trained by Stu Kendrick at the Sunshine Coast before being sent north to Adrian Coome and then Rod Miller.

However, the four-year-old went winless for both trainers before finding another home with Hoffman at Tolga.

In three starts for Hoffman, Starfilly has won twice at Townsville and Atherton while also placing at Gordonvale.

“I don’t know why she’s racing so well for me – maybe it’s the different environment or that I don’t work my horses too hard," she said.

Hoffman believes Starfilly should be unbeaten for her stable after finishing third at Gordonvale last month.

“She missed the start at Gordonvale and probably should have won,” she said.

“I’ve noticed she’s got a bit of a tendency to be slow away at the start.”