Pop The CORK recorded an explosive display at Albion Park last week and trainer Peter Ruetschi believes his “astronomical” sprinter could go even better at tomorrow’s meeting.
The exciting newcomer returned to winning ways with a devastating 29.58 win at the Queensland track last week – just 0.01 outside the track record - and goes again over 520m in race four here.
Pop The CORK’s progress was hampered by a toe injury in his previous outing, but underlined his potential as a Group 1 race contender with his superb triumph over a decent field.
He has drawn box one here and Ruetschi thinks another top performance is on the cards.
“If he gets a clean run here he should be fine,” he said.
“He sometimes doesn’t come out the quickest but he is as strong as an ox. His second sectional last week was sensational and his third was astronomical for Albion Park.
“He is looking perfect (and) he can improve again.”
A son of legendary Brett Lee and Ima Geisha Girl, Pop The CORK first impressed with a huge 18.5-length win in February’s Vince Curry Memorial Maiden heats at Ipswich, clocking 30.16.
He was sidelined for two months and had two unsuccessful runs after returning, but has three wins from five starts now and looks a hot prospect.
Click here to watch a replay of Pop The CORK’s win last week.
Ruetschi is planning to bring both Pop the CORK and kennelmate Over Here, who races in Thursday's Group 1 Sapphire Crown heats at Sandown Park, down to Wentworth Park in June for June’s Group 1 Peter Mosman heats.
“It would be tough racing against the likes of Fernando Bale, but Pop The CORK is doing well,” Ruetschi said. “I think he can compete in these races.
“If he gets a clear run this Thursday then who knows? He could go close to the track record again.”
Ruestchi was also confident two of his other flying kennel members, Oxley Rubey and Hougenie, can score wins in races seven and eight respectively here.
In-form Lady Abigail (box two), who ran 30.04 over the 520m here last month, looks a decent bet in race two.
Fabulous Storm struggled in the wet conditions last week but had been running well prior to that, so deserves another chance in race five.
Yada Yada Yada has been running very consistently recently and can take race ten.
For Albion Park Thursday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
