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By Mark Brassel

A ‘new and improved’ version of locally trained Bandi’s Boy is ready to shake the life out of next Sunday’s $200,000 ‘Goulburn Australia’ Goulburn Cup (1400m).

Goulburn trainer Danny Williams has been patient with the gelding having experienced numerous issues with the talented performer, but he’s confident that only blue skies are ahead of the six-year-old.

“He’s had feet issues and also had that bleed in the Kosciuszko last October which we put down to stress with a lot going on around him,” Williams explained.

Bandi's Boy and Jay Ford claim the Gr 3-Star Kingdom Stakes at Rosehill Gardens. Image by Bradley Photographers

“We’re now training him differently and he’s thriving; fewer fast gallops and more pacework and he’s enjoying himself although he’s probably not as sharp now.”

A Group 3 winner, Bandi’s Boy has had two runs back from a nine-month break and after a sound effort in the July Sprint at Rosehill Gardens, finished an excellent second to King Of Roseau in the Group 3-Aurie’s Star at Flemington.

“It was a cracking run, and we were very happy with his performance,” Williams said. “He’s come up well and in fact, we believe this is the best he’s been for a long time.

“At this stage we’re very keen on the Goulburn Cup as he’s looking for 1400m, but it can all depend on the weather and how the track is; there’s other options.”

It is a preferred distance for Bandi’s Boy having won the South East Country Championships at Moruya over the 1400m journey.

The Williams stable also has Miss Jennifer entered for the Goulburn Cup, a mare that came from Victoria who has won three races since landing at Goulburn.

“She is very honest and is also looking for the 1400m after finishing well for second at Forbes. She’s a lovely mare who tries very hard, but she may not quite have the class of ‘Bandi’.”

Williams also has Winning Emotions entered for the Benchmark 66 Handicap (1200m), a horse that has won two of his only six starts.

The gelding powered to score at Warren before finishing down the course behind the much hyped Without Parallel at Rosehill.

“The run was much better than it looks on paper,” Williams noted. “His legs went from under him at the start and then was checked, before severely interfered with at the 800m.

“Kerrin [McEvoy] said the run was very good and he still made ground on them in the straight.”

Nearly $500,000 in prizemoney will be on offer for this year’s Goulburn Cup Day.

“It is a Racing NSW Country Showcase meeting with minimum $30,000 per race making it a serious raceday destination,” said Robyn Fife, CEO of Goulburn Race Club.

“The Goulburn Cup has become a sought-after CV addition for any stable and offers Big Dance eligibility to the winner, ideally positioned 10 weeks out from the $3m Big Dance at Royal Randwick in November.

“Strong support races on the day include the Pat Murphy/Graeme Spackman Country Magic [$50,000 Benchmark 66, 1600m] and the Kirk’s Bridge Farm/Guy Walter [$50,000 Fillies & Mares, 1300m].

“On the other side of the fence there are plenty of incentives for racegoers to get trackside on Goulburn Cup Day. Seib Racing is supporting the Fashions on the Field, there’ll be a full TAB, live music and some great hospitality options.”

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Casino, Bathurst
Tuesday: Albury, Scone
Friday: Murwillumbah
Saturday: Port Macquarie, Mudgee (non-TAB), Berrigan (non-TAB)
Sunday: Goulburn, Narromine