Les Ross admits the barrier draws for his two runners have not made it easy for the stable to claim successive wins in the Sunshine Coast 2YO Classic.
Saturday’s 1200m-Classic carries prize money of $125,000 but many of the runners, including the Ross-trained pair, are eligible for a $50,000 Magic Millions bonus and $24,500 QTIS scheme bonus.
Ross won the race last year with Mishani Honcho who came from well back in the field after racing wide.
This year he has One Golden Day, who drew barrier 19, and River Racer (14) and is hoping they can overcome the wide draws.
“Barriers don’t always mean everything at the Sunshine Coast. Both horses have raced well and they have been set for the race,” Ross said.
“It is time we had a bit of luck. I have had more seconds than a clock this season.”
Ross has had 10 winners and has trained 24 seconds and 15 thirds.
At least half his second placegetters have been beaten less than half a length.
“The two-year-olds have been going well this year without winning. One Golden Day is typical as he has run two seconds and two thirds, all in good city company,” Ross said.
“River Racer has run two good thirds in Saturday Doomben races and then had no luck at all when midfield in the McLachlan Stakes last start.”
Fellow trainer John Zielke is another hoping for a change of luck for his youngster Royal Tithe.
“The form around Royal Tithe is very strong as she has run seconds to Candika, who was third in the Magic Millions, and Zelady’s Night Out who won the McLachlan Stakes,” Zielke said.
Zielke will also saddle up Stryking Stunnah, who like Royal Tithe is raced by the Dovedeen syndicate.
Tegan Harrison, who claimed a double at Ipswich on Wednesday to move into outright third in the jockeys’ premiership, will ride Canton Road for Mick Mair.
“She looks a nice ride and is much better drawn from barrier one on Saturday,” Harrison said.
Canton Road won her first start at the Sunshine Coast and then came from near last to finish fifth at the same track two weeks ago.