Let's Party Marty on trial for northern winter carnival

By Glenn Davis

Talented sprinter Let’s Party Marty will be on trial to join trainer Lindsay Hatch’s team for the Central and North Queensland winter carnivals when the gelding makes his comeback on the Polytrack at the Sunshine Coast on Wednesday.

Let’s Party Marty was originally due to start at Ipswich before the track was ruled unsafe for racing following persistent rain and the meeting transferred to the all-weather Polytrack at Caloundra.

The seven-year-old will be one of three runners Hatch is taking to the Sunshine Coast and has drawn a wide barrier 12 in the Benchmark 78 Handicap over 1200 metres.

Hatch’s other starters are Rhyme Time in the Benchmark 70 Handicap over 1600 metres and Avowal in the Class 5 Handicap lover 1400 metres.

Hatch has never won a feature race on the Central and North Queensland winter circuits despite several attempts.

However, he’s planning another trip with five horses and hopes Let’s Party Marty will be among them.

“I’ve been going to the winter carnivals in Central and North Queensland since my Dad first took up me up to watch Kelly Schweida when he used to ride,” Hatch said.

“I’ve never won a major race there yet but I’ve gone close a few times.

“I’m sending up five to Townsville and four of them will do Rockhampton on the way up.

“Sayl is going for the Rocky, Mackay and Townsville Cups and I’ll see if Let’s Party Marty can aim up for the Cleveland Bay.”

Let’s Party Marty hasn’t raced since finishing third to stable mate Rhyme Nor Rhythm on a heavy track at Ipswich in January.

“He’s going enormous but he’s missed a few gallops because of the wet and that’s my only concern,” Hatch said.

“He’s had three jump outs and has done a lot of work.

“The Polytrack won’t worry him as I’ve been told he liked the track when he was previously trained by David Vandyke.”

Hatch shied away from engaging an apprentice with his booking for the experienced Noel Callow.

“He’s got a bit of weight with 60.5kgs but sometimes you’re better off sticking with experience and Noel knows him well having ridden him before,” he said.