Stuart’s Star Ready For Big Test
18 January, 2018
Greyhound
Talented chaser Mandjoogoordap gets the chance to enhance her Perth Cup credentials when she lines up in the first heat of the Canning Trophy (520m) at Cannington on Saturday night.
A winner at eight of her 11 career starts, Mandjoogoordap will face the biggest challenge of her short career thus far in the Canning Trophy, and trainer Paul Stuart said he would get a good indication on where she fits in against some of Perth’s best chasers.
“She’s up in grade now, and it is her biggest test this week,” he said.
“She’s got the right habits, and she is a good box dog.”
Manjoogoordap missed a placing for the first time in her career two starts back, before she bounced back last week at Cannington, breaking the 30 second barrier in doing so.
Stuart said the win gave him the confidence he needed to give Manjoogoordap a shot at the Canning Trophy.
“She won well last week because she didn’t lead, she came from behind,” he said.
“It was good to see her chase hard and she went around a dog and really grinded it out.
“It’s good she has ticked the box that she doesn’t have to lead to win.”
Stuart also has Decimal engaged in the first heat of the Canning Trophy, and said he felt Manjoogoordap had the edge over her kennel mate, while he said France Soir and Catch The Love would also be competitive in the second and third heats respectively.
“France Soir is dropping back in grade, he is capable but just lacks early pace,” he said.
“It was Catch The Love’s first time beyond 400m last week, and he got tired towards the end, but he ran good sections and I expect him to improve in time.”
A strong field has been assembled for the Get The TABtouch Free For All on Saturday night, including reigning Perth Cup winner and runner-up Equanimity and Pepper Fire.
Stuart will be represented by Astrozone in the 520m event, and said the veteran chaser would be right to take his place in the race, despite a tough run last week.
“He got hit out of the boxes and got a nice check on the first time around,” he said.
“He’s come through the run with no problems at all.
“It’s a hard race that’s for sure.
“He’s going to have to be handy to them early if he is to be a chance.”
Tim Walker