Chillemi plans three-pronged attack on Cairns Newmarket

By Garry Dell

Champion North Queensland trainer Roy Chillemi is planning a three-pronged attack on the $75,000 Cairns Newmarket at Cannon Park on Saturday.

The Newmarket is the feature of Cairns Jockey Club's first day of 2024 Northern Winter Carnival with the $150,000 Cairns Cup on August 24.

Chillemi's three from the 'Orange Army' team are owned by CJC president Tom Hedley.

He has nominated the in-form Speed Legend, former top two-year-old Missile Thunder and stable "bread and butter" money-spinner Go Getaboy. 

Top hoop Lacey Morrison has been in the saddle of Speed Legend at his last three starts. 

Chillemi said he was confident Missile Thunder has recovered from operations on knees and forelegs. 

Missile Thunder had his final lead-in hit out at Innisfail on Saturday when third to the Ricky Ludwig-owned and trained Yes Dream who was ridden a treat by the wily veteran jockey Frank Edwards.

Yes Dream led throughout the 1200 metres on a track rated as a Heavy 9.

Missile Thunder trailed the winner but was unable to sprint from the top of the straight under the track conditions and was beaten on the post by stable mate Crowning Moment.

Chillemi said Missile Thunder had pulled up well and ate all his feed.

"The only slight doubt with him is the 1400 metres in the Newmarket as he hasn't been over the distance but his two recent runs in Townsville indicated it shouldn't be a problem," Chillemi said. 

"Speed Legend has shown the distance should be ideal for him after recent wins over 1600 metres at Cluden."

Meanwhile, Cairns racing supremo Hedley will be wearing several different "hats" over the next month as the annual Cannon Park carnivals are focussed in the spotlight.

Hedley is leader of the CJC and the owner of a large number of horses entered for FNQ meetings.

The curtain rises on Far North Queensland biggest annual events on Saturday with the running of the feature $75,000 Newmarket Handicap over 1400 metres in which a big number Hedley-owned horses have been nominated from three separate trainers - Chillemi, Stephen Massingham and Fred Wieland. 

The race has attracted 26 nominations from as far away as Rockhampton and Mackay.

"We've been very busy getting everything in order for a big weekend," Hedley said .

"We have a great team on the committee and their helpers and we're raring to go for what we hope will be a record few days of great racing and social festivities that Cairns is renowned for.

"Nominations for the first day are good and I hope we get a good crowd.

"I love this time of year and thrive on the competition and friendliness of the racing community who come from near and far to the north to enjoy racing at its best and the area's tourist attractions."

Pressed for an opinion on which horse he would most like to win the Newmarket, Hedley had no hesitation in coming up with Missile Thunder as his choice.

"The little horse has been very good to us with his deeds as a two-year-old and went through a rough patch with leg operations and stuff," Hedley said.

"I hope he makes the field and acquits himself well."