By MATT NICHOLLS
TAMWORTH trainer Craig Martin is likely to have two runners in the Walcha Cup after Jefferson Park scorched the Armidale Jockey Club track on Monday.
In the official lead-up to next Friday’s feature race, Jefferson Park broke a class record for the 1300m at Armidale when winning the $15,000 Walcha Cup Prelude.
On a lightning quick track, the four-year-old gelding stopped the clock at 1:16.16, flying home in 34.86.
The $2.80 favourite never looked like losing, after jockey Peter Graham jumped to the front from barrier three before running away in the straight to win by almost three lengths.
Second was Scone galloper Star of Dubai, while Tamworth trainer Sue Grills’ in-form mare Keep It Danish was third.
Martin knows the Walcha Cup well and has tasted success in the race before.
“His half brother (Mt Rainier) won this race,” the trainer said.
“Then he came back and won the Walcha Cup here (when the Walcha Cup meeting was transferred to Armidale).”
Like Mt Rainier, Jefferson Park was bred and owned by Walcha’s Jill Nivison.
“He’s a lovely horse,” Nivison said. “It’s very exciting.”
Jefferson Park has won five of his last six races but is yet to win over 1400m, meaning he’ll be tested in the Walcha Cup.
He’ll also have to beat stablemate Brave Ali, who is also being set for the race after winning soft trial at Armidale yesterday by three-and-a-half lengths over 1000m.
Brave Ali is owned by a large contingent of Armidale owners and his first-up run this preparation will be in the Walcha Cup next Friday, followed by the Quirindi Cup and then his grand final, the Armidale Cup on 17 March.
