Pounamu to Launch Melbourne Dreams Posted on September 14, 2018 | Posted by Julio Santarelli Trainer Alan Mathews is daring to dream, but how far his vision can turn to reality will take firmer shape after Pounamu takes on a crack line-up in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday. In all probability Pounamu is unlikely to win first-up in Melbourne, TABtouch have him rated a $26 chance, but for Mathews there are bigger fish to fry later in the spring, including the Caulfield Cup and potentially the Melbourne Cup. Pounamu, who shared honours as Western Australia’s best for the past season with Material Man, enjoyed a golden run in 2017 when he won the Group 1 Kinston Town Classic (1800m) and the Group 2 Ted Van Heemst Stakes (2100m). The Authorised gelding, who has amassed $1.5 in stake earnings, currently sits 30th in the Caulfield Cup order of entry and has been allocated 54.kg in the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cups. Mathews said how far Pounamu progressed and the options open to the seven-year-old will largely be determined after his run in the Makybe Diva Stakes. “We are going to know a lot more of what we are up to after Saturday,” Mathews told TABradio. “We will know which direction to go, whether we pack our bags and come home or head down a nice path and find something easier. “He deserves to be here, but I am not expecting miracles and want him to be hitting the line. “If he shows he deserves to be here we would be happy.” Pounamu, to be ridden for the first time by Brett Prebble, will jump from barrier three. The seven-year-old hasn’t raced since finishing seventh to Rebel King in the Listed Idyllic Prince Stakes (1300m) at Belmont on September 1. It was Pounamu’s first run after three placings behind Material Man in the Belmont Sprint (1400m), Hyperion Stakes (1600m) and Strickland Stakes (2000m) in June. Mathews said he had mixed views on Pounamu’s first-up performance in the Idyllic Prince Stakes. “I was disappointed, but Paddy (Carbery) said it was a lot better than first thought,” Mathews said. “His best work was the last 50m and he was just starting to chime in. “The owner has always told me he was a stayer but until the Ted Van Heemst (Stakes) I wasn’t convinced. “From that day on I think he has shown that he wants to be a stayer.”
Scott Embry’s Thursday Albany Preview May 6, 2025 RACE 1 GIFT OF THE HEART is in a purple patch of form, however, he’s dictated to by the programming and is now going 1500… Read More
Scott Embry’s Wednesday Ascot Preview May 6, 2025 RACE 1 MAGNIQUE resumed in a C1 and went around a warm $2.20 favourite but was not able to reel in stablemate Anaballistic. This 3… Read More
Warren Huntly’s Wednesday Caulfield Preview May 6, 2025 Race 1 STREET LARK should relish the step up to 1500m after two encouraging runs to date. JILLAROO has been jumping out to kick off her… Read More
Matt Young’s Tuesday Gloucester Park Preview May 6, 2025 Race 1 ZUEDE (1) has been luckless as of late and has a good draw to settle close to the speed, looks a strong chance… Read More
Shayne Williams’ Tuesday Greyhound Best Bets May 6, 2025 MANDURAH Race 6 No. 7 Respect Advocacy Mixing distances between 300 and 400, but one thing about this guy is he loves a wide draw,… Read More
Matt Young’s Monday Pinjarra Preview May 5, 2025 Race 1 Not a lot of exposed form in this when we are looking at COHLIN (1) being a major player again, at his best… Read More
Shayne Williams’ Monday Greyhound Best Bets May 5, 2025 NORTHAM Race 8 No. 1 Paula Keeping Real box 1 bandit, not raced up at Northam but as we know it must of trialed at… Read More
Matt Young’s Saturday Narrogin Preview May 3, 2025 Race 1 COMO EL VIENTO (10) hit the line powerfully in metro grade last time out and it looks like he’s heading in the right… Read More
Shayne Williams’ Saturday Greyhound Best Bets May 3, 2025 CANNINGTON Race 7 No. 1 Obsessed Much He’s been a wonderful chaser, very honest and never runs a bad race, all though he never went… Read More
Matt Young’s Friday Northam Preview May 2, 2025 Race 1 GOODONYA MATE (1) was a bit disappointing in his last run but that was over the longer trip, he drops back in distance… Read More
TIPS – Greyhound Jet Set Podcast May 2, 2025 Mandurah Friday David Shortte 4-8 Aussie Gem 6-1 West On Gnocchi 10-5 Surf The Sun Quaddie : 127 – 17 – 12468 – 17 Shayne… Read More