Gilbert Gets Close To Country Cup Dream
14 February, 2019
Thoroughbred
Give or take a couple of enforced breaks, Chris Gilbert has been involved in the racing game since the 1980s.
As a hobby trainer her expectations have been relatively modest, but she always had a dream of winning a country cup.
After nearly 40 years that scenario presents itself when Boomnbust tackles the XXXX-Gold Narrogin Cup (1900m).
On Sunday, Gilbert hopes that Boomnbust, a five-year-old son of Domesday, can finally turn her dream into a reality.
“It’s always been my dream to have a good enough staying horse who could win a country cup,” Gilbert told The Races WA.
“It would really mean a lot to me and I think I have found a horse with a bit of ability to win the Narrogin Cup.
“If the race is run to suit he is definitely in with a chance and to win it would be a dream come true for me.”
The Narrogin Cup became a part of Gilbert’s planning after the gelding led from start to finish to win a 2019m Bunbury handicap last November.
Her confidence was given an additional spike when Boomnbust produced two similar front-running victories at Albany in December and January.
“That win in Bunbury confirmed to me that he was a pretty good stayer for me,” Gilbert said.
“That was his first win over the distance and it was a bit of a surprise.
“That’s when I decided to have a go and try longer distances.
“He also likes Albany and is doing well on the softer tracks.”
Gilbert said Boomnbust had progressed well since his last-start fifth at Ascot.
“He was not at his peak for Ascot,” Gilbert said.
“But his work at Bunbury on Tuesday was really good.
“I’m happy with him and he will be competitive.
“He is fit enough and very tenacious.”
Boomnbust has drawn 10 in the Narrogin Cup and Gilbert hopes jockey Renee Forrest can cross comfortably to find the front.
“I’m hoping she can find the front and not get involved in a speed battle,” Gilbert said.
“We’ve tried to hold him back before, but he gets too determined and flighty.
“It will be nice if he can roll to the front without being taken on.
“If he does he will have plenty left in the tank.”
Julio Santarelli