Age no barrier for veteran Scallopini

By Glenn Davis

He may be a nine-year-old but veteran sprinter Scallopini is showing the enthusiasm of a horse half his age.

That’s why the training partnership of Steven O'Dea and Matthew Hoysted are excited about Scallopini’s Queensland Summer Racing Carnival prospects beginning with the Listed Recognition Stakes at Doomben on Saturday.

Scallopini launches his summer campaign in the 1350 metre feature when he clashes with stable mate Tumbler Ridge in what will be his first appearance since starting in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm in June.

Co-trainer Hoysted admits Scallopini’s Stradbroke performance remains baffling after finishing in front of only three runners and was beaten nearly seven lengths.

“I don’t know what really happened in the Stradbroke but it was a disappointing run,” Hoysted said.

“He ran really well the start before when fourth in the BRC Sprint but he may have felt the effects of a long campaign in the Stradbroke.”

However, Hoysted is confident the real Scallopini will be seen in the Recognition Stakes ahead of plans to start in next month’s The Buffering at Doomben and the Magic Millions Cup at the Gold Coast in January.

“The last 12 months or so he’s raced in career best form and has a new lease on life after the couple of trips down south,” Hoysted said.

“He’s going into another preparation now after we were able to give him a really nice break and he’s come back in good shape.

“The old boy looks fantastic right now and we couldn’t be happier with him.

“He’s had a trial and a jump-out to get ready and the rain we’ve had will suit him as he loves the sting out of the track.”

Scallopini showed age was no barrier when he campaigned in Melbourne winning three times at Listed and Group 3 level at Flemington in the past 15 months.

The O’Dea-Hoysted partnership will be looking for their first win in the Recognition Stakes after Tumbler Ridge finished second to Tambo’s Mate in 2021.

Meanwhile, Hoysted revealed the Recognition Stakes could be “D-Day” for Tumbler Ridge who is coming off a last start sixth, beaten two lengths, by the Chris Waller-trained Shibli over 1600 metres at Eagle Farm last start.

“He’s been disappointing this campaign and hasn’t shown his normal enthusiasm,” Hoysted said.

“We’re bringing him back in distance but he needs to start showing something soon.”