Dellar Has High Hopes To Launch Kalgoorlie Season

Posted on April 7, 2017 | Posted by Julio Santarelli

Trainer Merv Dellar is optimistic he can launch the Kalgoorlie season in style when he unveils his two new stable acquisitions on Saturday.

Dellar has added Corvara and General Groove to his stable, both gallopers have arrived from top Perth trainer, Simon Miller.

Corvara could be a handy pick-up for Dellar if she is able to reproduce her maiden win when on debut at Ascot 12-months ago.

The Ready’s Image mare bounded out of the gates quickly to lead and held that position throughout, drawing away for an easy win.

Dellar’s major concern for Corvara is an interrupted preparation, the four-year-old has not raced since her fifth at Northam last June.

Corvara launches her goldfields campaign in the Helloworld Kalgoorlie Handicap (1100m). She has drawn barrier five for jockey Willie White.

“The jury is out on her and I’m concerned she hasn’t had the work that I would have liked,” Dellar said.

“I had some difficulty when the track was closed because of the rain and she is not as forward as I would like.

“I have been a bit restricted in what I could do, but I guess the same applies to all the local Kalgoorlie trainers.

“She is quite a quirky horse and a bit stressful, but she moves alright and I’m hoping her class can get her through.”

Well-travelled seven-year-old General Groove secured wins at Flemington and Moonee Valley before transferring to Perth.

The gelding lumps top weight, but should appreciate a class drop after running into strong company this preparation.

First-up at Ascot he ran a sound fifth to Three Votes (1000m) and then finished unplaced behind the in-form Max Almighty.

He only finished ahead of one runner in the field off 11, but he was afforded no favours in running after being trapped wide.

Max Almighty franked the form when he sprinted home powerfully to take out Geraldton’s Batavia Sprint (1300m) on Sunday.

General Groove will carry 59kg with the claim of Brodie Kirby. They combine in the Twin City Saints Life Members Handicap (1100m).

“I thought his first-up run was good and then next start he didn’t have a lot of luck,” Dellar said.

“He obviously had pretty decent form in Melbourne before coming across.

“I think he is going to be a work in progress for me.”