A frustrating time for Mark Minervini both on and off the track has the Newcastle based trainer desperate for a change of luck.
Minervini’s team hasn’t tasted success since Smiling Prophet’s win at Wyong on November 29 and he is hoping a return to the track on Thursday could be the start of a winning run.
“We are more than due for a winner. We’ve had a frustrating run of placings so it would be good to break through,” he said.
“Racing is so competitive at the moment. I enjoy the challenge and it has made me a better trainer.”
Minervini’s hopes lie with stable newcomber Mysweetmoses in the 1100m BM64 and veteran Super in the 1350m BM64.
Mysweetmoses, a Vancouver four-year-old, joined the stable following a stint in Victoria under Nick Ryan.
Minervini had previously trained his dam, Splash Of Moet and with Mysweetmoses owners keen to relocate him to New South Wales for better opportunites, the ex-South Australian was the natural choice.
“They were struggling to place him down there so offered him to me. He ran at Muswellbrook the other day first up but was a bit green and had to carry a big weight.
“He will be more suited over the 1100m at Wyong and Jean Van Overmiere will ride him. He has worked well since his last start, and I think he should run a really nice race.”
Minervini is also expecting improvement from his eight-year-old Super, a seven-time winner from his 54 starts.
“I had stepped him up to the 1500m and mile, but I’m not convinced he wants that now as he gets older.
“I think the 1350m will suit him at Wyong. He ran a second there in January, so the tighter track won’t present any difficulties.
“He is still doing well but needs galloping room in his races, so hopefully Zac Wadick can get him to the outside and his three-kilo claim will definitely help.”
And while Minervini is confident both his runners should be “around the mark” he is unlikely to be trackside to cheer them home.
“I’ve had some health issues in recent weeks. I haven’t been well at all but I am under good hands with my cardiologist and he’s is confident he can get me right.”
The first of eight races at Wyong on Thursday gets underway at 1.15pm.
SELECTIONS:
Race 1 – 1.15pm: DE BORTOLI WINES CG&E MAIDEN (1100m): 1 GOOD ONCE, 2 Gogmagog, 3 Bo Katan, 4 Bottler.
Race 2 – 1.50pm: CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES PROVINCIAL MAIDEN (1600m): 1 IRISH ANTHEM, 2 All Above, 3 Oakfield Zena, 4 Platinum Asset.
Race 3 – 2.25pm: WYONG LEAGUES GROUP BM64 (2100m): 1 DORASKAYA, 2 Wilshire Boulevard, 3 Counter, 4 Caring Lass.
Race 4 – 3.05pm: SKY CHANNEL CLASS 1 (1000m): 1 SHAKO, 2 Pearls Treasure, 3 Impulsivity, 4 Lara’s Laulet.
Race 5 – 3.40pm: PBL LAW GROUP SUPER MAIDEN (1350m): 1 STARMAE, 2 Jack Of Aces, 3 Wellerman, 4 Hartman.
Race 6 – 4.20pm: MAGIC MILLIONS ADELAIDE YEARLING SALE 18-19 MARCH F&M MAIDEN (1100m): ART VOLANT, 2 Cross Your Heart, 3 Weeping Woman, 4 Russian Snitzel.
Race 7 – 4.55pm: CENTRAL COAST COOLROOMS MIDWAY BM64 (1350m): 1 NAVY BLOOD, 2 Battlefield, 3 Selfless Act, 4 Super.
Race 8 – 5.35pm: TAB.COM.AU B64 (1100m): 1 O’TYCOON, 2 The Swooper, 4 Triskelion, 4 Oakfield Triumph.
